ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the relationship between life style and metabolic syndrome (MS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using identical protocol and questionnaire, 173 patients with MS and 173 without MS selected from the general population undergoing physical examinations in Guangdong General Hospital were surveyed for the risk factors of MS in their life style, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MS was significantly related to overweight, prolonged maintenance of sitting posture, and heavy life or work stresses, among which overweight was the most important factor contributing to MS (OR=11.442, P<0.000). Regular exercise, long exercise time, and anxiety were protective factors for MS. Meat intake, smoking, time of getting sleep and insomnia were not found to relate to MS.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MS is correlated to some general habits in daily life, and a healthy life style may help in the prevention and treatment of MS.</p>