Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence and Correlates in a Worksite Wellness Program

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among faculty and staff who participated in a university wellness program. In addition, this study identified common correlates of metabolic syndrome in the participating employee population. Knowledge of behaviors and characteristics of individuals with metabolic syndrome is essential when developing health promotion strategies for them. Metabolic syndrome is unique in that it results from a clustering of risk factors that are difficult to address, and each additional risk factor increasingly affects health and well-being. A targeted, comprehensive approach is needed to counteract individual's predisposition to metabolic syndrome. This research identified the association between employees' metabolic risks and their demographic, physical, and psychosocial characteristics in an effort to determine metabolic syndrome prevalence, develop population-specific interventions, and decrease the risk of metabolic syndrome among workers.