Metabolic syndrome and rotating undergraduate medical internship: a prospective cohort study

Background: The rotating undergraduate medical internship (RUMI) is associated with lifestyle changes that favor the development of metabolic syndrome (MS). Objective: To compare the incidence of MS in interns before and after RUMI and to relate it to their habits and stress. Method: This single-center prospective cohort study measured weight, body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and lipid profile. Wilcoxon and Student’s t tests were used to compare numerical variables, McNemar tests for categorical variables, and Spearman correlations for pre- and post-RUMI relationships. Results: 27 interns were included (mean age 24.7 ± 1.4 years; 55.6% women). After RUMI, weight (+4.6 kg, p < 0.001), BMI (+1.68 kg/m2, p < 0.001), SBP/DBP (+2.0 mmHg, p = 0.002), glucose (+5.0 mg/dL, p < 0.001), HbA1c (+0.25%, p = 0.001), total cholesterol (+21.0 mg/dL, p = 0.021), and HDL (+7.5 mg/dL, p = 0.019) increased. Prediabetes (χ2 = 9.00; p = 0.0027) and MS (χ2 = 5.00; p = 0.025) increased. Stress correlated with higher low-density lipoprotein (ρ = 0.765; p < 0.0001) and triglycerides (ρ = 0.635; p = 0.0004). Conclusion: RUMI was associated with higher MS and prediabetes. Stress was associated with a worse lipid profile. Screening and prevention programs are needed in this population.