Prevalence of Various Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Our Younger Population

Background: Metabolic Syndrome prevalence all over the world is increasing. Assessment at an early age regarding the presence of these is imperative to early prevention and treatment. This study was conducted to evaluate prevalence of the various components of metabolic syndrome in our adolescent population. Methods: A total of 193 young adolescents between ages 17 to 25 years were taken, 106 males and 87 females. Record of each subject’s personal, socioeconomic, educational, dietary and family histories was taken. Anthropometric and laboratory investigations done were: waist circumference, hip circumference, height, weight, waist hip ratio, body mass index, and blood pressure. Laboratory investigations performed after an overnight fasting of 12 hours were: Plasma glucose levels. Lipid profile including total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides, and Uric acid levels. Data on all variables required to define the metabolic syndrome according to National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria was recorded. Results: Waist hip ratio was increased in 23.8%. Obesity was seen in 34.7%, 29% were overweight, and 5.7% were frankly obese. Blood pressure measurements showed upper normal ranges; in 23.8% subjects high systolic and in 15% subjects high diastolic values were observed. Fasting plasma glucose was high in 4.7%. Fasting serum lipid profile: cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides: 20.2% fasting serum cholesterol of more than 191 mg/dl, HDL-cholesterol being less than 40 mg/dl in 87.6%. 23.3% had LDL-cholesterol more than 200 mg/dl. Fasting serum triglycerides more than 185 mg/dl seen in 12.5%. Serum uric acid raised in 3.6%. WHR, BMI, Fasting plasma glucose, HDL-c and TG were sensitive indicators of metabolic syndrome. Serum HDL-cholesterol was the most prevalent abnormality followed by obesity. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is much prevalent in Pakistani adolescents and can be diagnosed using simple and economical investigations.