Impact of Changes in Lifestyle and Psychological Factors on the Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome after the Great East Japan Earthquake: Follow-up of the Fukushima Health Management Survey

Abstract

Aim: The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident caused lifestyle changes and psychological distress in residents living near the plant. This study clarified the associations between changes in residents’ lifestyles and psychological factors with the onset of metabolic syndrome (METs) after the accident.

Methods: This longitudinal study included 10,373 residents who underwent the Comprehensive Health Check and Mental Health and Lifestyle Survey in Fiscal Year (FY) 2013. Follow-up surveys were conducted between FY 2014 and FY 2017. Lifestyle changes and the METs incidence were evaluated using a logistic regression model.

Results: METs developed in 14.0% of subjects. In addition to metabolic factors, such as the body mass index, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus, there were differences in physical activity, fast walking, eating fast, eating habits before bedtime, skipping breakfast, current smoking, and alcohol intake between subjects with and without new-onset METs. Eating fast, current smoking, and drinking alcohol were positively associated with new-onset METs, whereas starting physical activity and fast walking were inversely associated with new-onset METs.

Conclusions: Disaster-related lifestyle changes, such as eating fast, starting to smoke, and continued alcohol intake, were risk factors for new-onset METs after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident.