Abstract

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a highly complex multifactorial endocrine disorder, which includes ectopic fat accumulation, impaired insulin sensitivity, and increased systemic inflammation. Globally, a rapid increase in the prevalence of MetS is observed as a result of persistent obesity. The MetS includes the features such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and a male, visceral distribution of adipose tissue; it is related to the high inci- dences of morbidity and mortality, which result from various commonly occurring diseases such as diabetes, cancers, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of MetS, its components, and risk factors among a higher socioeconomic popu- lation in Ahmedabad, and to estimate the prevalence of MetS using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition to compare it with the prevalence estimated using the definition of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP).
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey of a higher socioeconomic population was carried out in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, from April to December 2014. The subjects included were between the age group of 25 and 65 years. A total of 500 subjects were selected for this study. But, 22 subjects were discarded owing to insufficient blood samples. Result: In this study, of the total 478 subjects, 213 (44.6%) male subjects and 265 (55.4%) female subjects were analyzed. About 264 (55.2%) of them were between 25 and 45 years, and 214 (44.8%) of them were between 46 and 65 years of age. About 95% of all the subjects were married. About 373 (78.0%) were nonsmokers and 105 (22.0%) were smokers; 372 (77.8%) were nonalcoholics and 106 (22.2%) were alcoholics; 154 (32.2%) showed normal weight, 218 (45.6%) overweight, and 106 (22.2%) obese. The female subjects were younger and showed higher values of BMI and WC and, thus, were more prone to overweight and obesity. Conclusion: The global prevalence of the MetS was 26.2% and 42.6% by the NCEP adult treatment panel III (ATP III) and IDF criteria, respectively. Central obesity was the most prevalent determinant of MetS, followed by low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and then high blood pressure (BP). The triad of low HDL, high BP, and central obesity were largely responsible for MetS in this community.