Metabolic syndrome epidemiology and demographics


 * Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [mailto:psingh@perfuse.org]

Overview
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome has increased over the decades. The prevalence are higher in western countries, with increasing ages and in certain races like Mexican-Americans and African-Americans.

United States
1) According to 1999-2000 survey, prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adults aged 20 years or older was found to be 32% compared to 27% in survey done during year 1988-1994.

2) There is a constant increase in prevalence of metabolic syndrome and more than 25% of US population meets the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome.

International
1) The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is approximately 25% in European and Latin American countries.

2) Also, with westernization of lifestyle and food habit there has been a constant increase in its prevalence in Asian countries. However, the prevalence is still less compared to the western population (approximately 8-18%).

Race
1) The diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome were defined initially for Caucasian population. However, these definitions are not uniform among different races.

2) Highest age-adjusted prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the United States was found to be in Mexican American patients (approximately 31.9%, 1999-2000 survey).

3) High prevalence is also seen in African Americans especially women.

Sex
1) Age adjusted prevalence in male - (24%)

2) Age adjusted prevalence in female - (23%)

3) However, females have increased risks for metabolic syndrome due to association of certain factors like pregnancy, oral contraceptives pills (OCP) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

4) Some association is found between metabolic syndrome and breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal females.

Age
1) Prevalence increases with age.

2) 2 out of 5 people above 60 years of age fall under the criteria of metabolic syndrome.

3) Increased prevalence in pediatrics population due to increased incidences of obesity in them.