Proportion and Demographic Profile of Metabolic Syndrome Among Young Adults (<40 years)

Abstract

Background: Metabolic Syndrome is diagnosed in an individual when there is a clustering of risk factors such as central obesity, impaired fasting glucose, elevated blood pressure, increased triglyceride level, and low levels of highdensity lipoprotein-cholesterol. These factors trigger insulin resistance and thus results in hyperinsulinemia. Understanding the demographic profile and risk factors among the young population is the need for hour to assist in planning appropriative preventive strategies.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among the young adults visiting a tertiary care centre and to describe their demographic profile.

Methods: A cross-section study was done among 327 patients visiting the Out-Patients or admitted in the wards of General Medicine department. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collected patients’ information and personal habits. Clinical assessment included blood pressure and anthropometric measurements. Biochemical measurement of fasting blood sugar, post prandial blood sugar and lipid profile (triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein) was done. National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines was used to identify those with metabolic syndrome.

Results: The mean age of study participants was 35.4 ± 5.4 years and 56% were male. Out of 327 patients screened 143 (43.7%, 95%CI: 38.2-49.3%) were diagnosed to have metabolic syndrome. Age between 30 to 40 years, residence of urban area, frequent intake of fast food, alcohol consumption and smoking were found to significantly associated with the occurrence of metabolic syndrome, while sex, socioeconomic status and sleep was not.

Conclusion: There is a high burden of metabolic syndrome among the young adults. Several modifiable risk factors such as consumption of fast food, alcohol and smoking were found to be significantly associated. There is need to create awareness on the impact of health by metabolic syndrome and provide health education on its control.  

Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, Central obesity, Risk factors, NCEP ATPIII