Handgrip strength is inversely associated with metabolic syndrome and its separate components in middle aged and older adults: a large-scale population-based study

Background Muscle weakness is followed by insulin resistance which is associated with metabolic disorders leading to metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, muscle strength decline may be associated with MetS. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between muscle strength and MetS and its separate components. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed in 17,703 participants aged 40 years and older living in Tianjin, China. Handgrip strength was measured using a handheld digital dynamometer. MetS was defined in accordance with the criteria of the American Heart Association scientific statements of 2009. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between handgrip strength and MetS and its separate components. Results The overall prevalence of MetS was 33.6%. The prevalence of MetS was significantly higher in men than in women (41.6% vs 22.9%, P < 0.0001). After adjustment for potential confounding factors (including sociodemographic variables, lifestyle factors, total energy intake, and family history of disease), the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of MetS across decreasing handgrip strength quartiles were: 1.00 (reference), 1.87 (1.66, 2.11), 2.40 (2.13, 2.71), and 3.36 (2.97, 3.80) in men and 1.00 (reference), 1.80 (1.48, 2.21), 2.77 (2.29, 3.36), and 3.89 (3.22, 4.71) in women, respectively (P for all trend <0.0001). Similarly, handgrip strength was also observed to be negatively associated with separate components of MetS both in men and women. Conclusions Muscle strength is inversely associated with MetS and its separate components. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm this issue.