en Nursing Orginal research <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height:2;"><span style="color:#2980b9;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="background:white"><strong><span style="color:#2980b9;">:</span><span style="color:#0f1115"> </span></strong><span style="color:#0f1115">Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic risk factors associated with a multitude of determinants, including genetics, insulin resistance, adverse lifestyle habits, sleep disturbances, chronic inflammation, fetal and neonatal complications, circadian rhythm disruptions, obesity, and dietary patterns.</span></span><br> <span style="background:white"><span style="color:#2980b9;"><strong>Objectives:</strong></span><span style="color:#0f1115">&nbsp; This qualitative study aimed to explore the determinants of food choices among individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.</span></span><br> <span style="background:white"><span style="color:#2980b9;"><strong>Methods:</strong></span><span style="color:#0f1115">&nbsp;Data were collected using a qualitative design and semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling from community health centers in the cities of Lar, Evaz, and Gerash. The sample consisted of 21 individuals (13 females and 8 males) with a confirmed diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, with a mean age of 40.29 years (SD = 18.41).</span></span><br> <span style="background:white"><span style="color:#2980b9;"><strong>Results:</strong></span><span style="color:#0f1115">&nbsp;The analysis identified several key themes influencing food selection: considerations of nutritional value, the influence of taste and food appearance, conflicts regarding family dietary habits, the impact of media, dietary modifications driven by disease diagnosis, and awareness of processed foods. Participants highlighted the significance of nutritional information and expressed concerns about the accuracy of food labels.</span></span><br> <span style="background:white"><span style="color:#2980b9;"><strong>Conclusions:</strong></span><span style="color:#0f1115">&nbsp;The findings underscore the complex interplay of factors shaping the dietary decisions of individuals with metabolic syndrome. Key implications for practice include educating this population on how to interpret food labels accurately and promoting healthier food options. Furthermore, ensuring the veracity of food labeling is critical, as it can empower individuals to make informed dietary choices, thereby potentially mitigating the prevalence and burden of metabolic syndrome.</span></span></span></span></span></div> Metabolic Syndrome, Food Labeling, Nutritional Decision-Making, Qualitative Study, Policy Brief 80 90 http://nmcjournal.zums.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-1057-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan Seeder2007@gmail.com 100319475328460013461 100319475328460013461 No Department of Nursing, School of Nursing, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran. Omid Barghi omid1382barghi@yahoo.com 100319475328460013462 100319475328460013462 No Student Research Committee, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran. Amir Mansouri mansouriam60@gmail.com 100319475328460013463 100319475328460013463 No Department of Paramedical School, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran. MohammadJavad modarresi mj.modarresi1380@gmail.com 100319475328460013464 100319475328460013464 No Student Research Committee, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran. Behnam Masmouei behnam.masmouei@gmail.com 100319475328460013465 100319475328460013465 Yes School of Nursing Hazrat Zahra (P.B.U.H) Abadeh, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.