Cardiometabolic Abnormalities in Current National Football League Players

The prevalence of cardiometabolic syndrome was observed in 76% of current NFL players studied.

• Blood pressure ≥130/85 mm Hg, glucose ≥100 mg/dl, and body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² were significantly more common in NFL players compared to a matched reference population.
• Specifically, hypertension was found in 28% of players versus 17% in the reference group, and elevated glucose levels in 19% versus 7% (p = 0.002).
• A BMI of ≥30 kg/m² was present in 51% of players, compared to 21% in the reference group (p <0.001).
• Linemen exhibited a higher prevalence of cardiometabolic syndrome and its components compared to nonlinemen.
• In the linemen subgroup, 22% had cardiometabolic syndrome, while none of the nonlinemen did (p = 0.004).
• All linemen had a BMI ≥30 kg/m², compared to 32% of nonlinemen (p <0.001).

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