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Prevalence of metabolic syndrome high in US adults
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More than one-third of U.S. adults and half of those aged 60 years or older were estimated to have metabolic syndrome in 2011-2012, according to findings in a new report.
Using 2003-2012 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers evaluated trends in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among U.S. adults aged 20 years or older. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III.
The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome in this population was 33% from 2003 to 2012. Metabolic syndrome was significantly more prevalent in women compared with men (35.6% vs. 30.3%; P < .001). The highest prevalence was observed in Hispanic adults (35.4%), followed by non-Hispanic white adults (33.4%) and black adults (32.7%).
Over time, the overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased from 32.9% in 2003-2004 to 34.7% in 2011-2012. In more recent years, the prevalence remained stable (2007-2008, 36.1%; 2011-2012, 34.7%). Also during this period, trends in prevalence among men and all race/ethnic groups remained stable; however, the prevalence among women decreased from 39.4% in 2007-2008 to 36.6% in 2011-2012 (P = .03). This is in contrast to previous analyses of NHANES data through 2006 that suggested increasing rates of metabolic syndrome, according to the researchers.
The researchers observed an increase in prevalence with rising age. The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 18.3% among adults aged 20 to 39 years compared with 46.7% among those aged 60 years or older. In the older age group, more than 50% of women and Hispanics had metabolic syndrome. According to the researchers, the increased prevalence in the oldest age group is “a concerning observation given the aging U.S. population.”
Greater awareness of metabolic syndrome may have contributed to improvements in risk factor control, the researchers said. “Furthermore, recent NHANES data demonstrate that obesity prevalence in the United States also appears to have stabilized, which also may contribute to the stabilizing prevalence of the metabolic syndrome,” they wrote. – by Katie Kalvaitis
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
Perspective
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Roger S. Blumenthal, MD
It is generally thought the presence of metabolic syndrome increases the risk for a CHD event by twofold and the risk for diabetes by fourfold as compared with a person of the same age and sex without metabolic syndrome traits. The cornerstone of prevention involves better dietary and exercise habits to reduce one’s risk for developing CVD and diabetes. Tracking calories, the number of steps walked per day and the minutes of brisk physical activity each day are important things for many of our patients with metabolic syndrome.
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