High prevalence of metabolic syndrome among urban subjects in India: a multisite study

Metabolic syndrome is an important cardiovascular risk factor. To determine its prevalence among urban subjects in India we performed a multisite study.

The study was performed at eleven cities using cluster sampling. 6198 subjects (men 3426, women 2772, response 62%, age 48±10 years) were evaluated for socio-demographic, lifestyle, anthropometric and biochemical factors. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was determined using harmonized Asian-specific criteria. Significant socioeconomic and lifestyle associations were determined.

Age adjusted prevalence (%, 95% confidence intervals) of metabolic syndrome in men and women was 33.3 (31.7-34.9) and 40.4 (38.6-42.2) (harmonized criteria), 23.9 (22.4-26.4) and 34.5 (32.0-36.1) (modified Adult Treatment Panel-3, ATP-3) and 17.2 (15.3-19.1) and 22.8 (20.1-24.2) (ATP-3). Individual components of metabolic syndrome in men and women, respectively, were: high waist circumference 35.7 (34.1-37.3) and 57.5 (55.6-59.3), high blood pressure 50.6 (48.9-52.3) and 46.3 (44.4-48.1), impaired fasting glucose/diabetes 29.0 (27.5-30.5) and 28.0 (26.3-29.7), low HDL cholesterol 34.1 (32.5-35.7) and 52.8 (50.9-54.7) and high triglycerides 41.2 (39.5-42.8) and 31.5 (29.7-33.2) percent. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly greater in subjects with highest vs. lowest categories of education (45 vs. 26%), occupation (46 vs. 40%), fat intake (52 vs. 45%), sedentary lifestyle (47 vs. 38%) and body mass index (66 vs. 29%) (p<0.05).

There is high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in urban Indian subjects. Socioeconomic (high educational and occupational status) and lifestyle (high fat diet, low physical activity, overweight and obesity) factors are important.