Author(s): CASTELLI, D., YIP, K., KWEON, S., OKAFOR, C., RAMOS-SANTIAGO, T., HALEY, A., Institution: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY, Country: UNITED STATES, Abstract-ID: 2492

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and mortality, characterized by three or more criteria: elevated blood pressure, high waist circumference, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, and low HDL cholesterol. While traditional predictors are well-documented, growing evidence suggests social determinants, particularly discrimination, play a critical role. Discrimination represents a pervasive chronic stressor, especially among racial/ethnic minorities, with everyday discrimination predicting 33% greater MetS incidence in U.S. women, more pronounced among Hispanic women. Physical activity (PA) may mitigate health risks, yet it remains unclear whether national guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) weekly are appropriate for women of childbearing age from diverse backgrounds. This study examined whether PA mediates the relationship between perceived discrimination and MetS risk among young women, focusing on the understudied population of Latina women who experience higher MetS rates (44%) compared to White women (31%).
Methods: This analysis examined data from 594 women aged 18-40 (60% Latina) recruited from Central Texas. Participants completed the Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and clinical health screenings. Discrimination was measured using three coding methods: situation-based, frequency-based, and chronicity-based. PA was assessed via self-report (MVPA minutes/week) and wearables (Fitbit Inspire v3.0). MetS risk factors were identified through body composition (BMI, waist circumference), blood pressure, and blood screening (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, glucose). Mediation analysis used PROCESS in SPSS with age controlled.
Results: Among 594 participants (Mage=26.32±5.95 years), 86% reported discrimination within the past year, primarily gender (48%), physical appearance (21%), and ethnicity (18%). The mediation model was significant (F(3,413)=7.09; p=0.0001). Frequency-based (β=0.03; p<0.001) and situation-based (β=0.09; p<0.001) discrimination were associated with health risks. PA was inversely associated with frequency (β=-5.81; p<0.001) and situation discrimination (β=-12.48; p<0.001). PA significantly mediated the discrimination-MetS relationship, with higher MVPA reducing discrimination effects. Being Latina was associated with higher glucose risks (β=0.113; p=0.02).
Conclusions: PA significantly mediates the discrimination-MetS relationship among young women, particularly Latinas. Findings suggest PA interventions may mitigate discrimination-related health risks during critical developmental stages. Given elevated MetS prevalence and greater discrimination exposure among Latina women, incorporating PA into educational experiences represents a promising prevention strategy.