Intensive Lifestyle Intervention for Remission of Metabolic Syndrome

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a global public health concern, with prevalence rates ranging from 10% to 84% across different populations. It is strongly associated with multiple chronic non-communicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and certain cancers. Notably, obesity plays a central role in the development of metabolic syndrome, and substantial evidence supports the benefits of significant weight loss in improving its components. Currently, there is a lack of research on lifestyle interventions aimed at weight loss to alleviate metabolic syndrome in affected populations. Study Design: This study is a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) subjects aged 18-60 years were enrolled and randomly assigned to either an intensive lifestyle intervention group (a low-carbohydrate diet combined with physical exercise, target weight loss of 15%) or a conventional lifestyle intervention group ( energy-restricted diet combined with physical exercise, target weight loss of 7%). Participants underwent a 5-month weight-loss intervention (with monthly follow-ups) followed by a 7-month weight-maintenance phase (with follow-ups every 2 months). During the follow-up period, anthropometric and laboratory parameters were regularly monitored.