Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome among Normal Weight Adolescents in Lagos, Nigeria

In the last few decades, the global disease epidemiology shift has resulted in the preponderance of noncommunicable diseases such as Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Globally, an increasing prevalence is reported among children and adolescents in whom the condition was once rare. There is a dearth of data in Nigeria on MetS, especially among normal-weight adolescents.

To determine the prevalence and risk factors of MetS among normal-weight adolescents attending secondary schools at Mushin Local Government, Lagos.

This descriptive cross-sectional study recruited adolescents using a multi-stage sampling technique. Self-administered questionnaires were used to obtain data on socio-demographic characteristics, physical activity, medical, family and dietary history. Waist circumference (WC), was measured from the midpoint between the lowest rib and the top of the iliac crest to determine central obesity, Body mass index was calculated as weight (in kilograms) divided by height (in meters2), and the World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts were used to determine their BMI percentiles. An appropriately sized bladder cuff of a sphygmomanometer was used in obtaining the blood pressure.

A total of 259 normal-weight adolescents were recruited. The mean ± SD of participants was 13.6 ± 2.3 years. The prevalence of MetS among participants was 2.7%. The most common cardiometabolic risk factors were central obesity and elevated blood pressure in 7.7% and 7.3% of participants. Physical activity was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of MetS. A family history of hypertension and diabetes in first-degree relatives was significantly associated with MetS.

Metabolic syndrome was documented among apparently healthy normal-weight adolescent. A family history of hypertension or diabetes and physical inactivity were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome in study participants.