Metabolic syndrome: a challenging health issue in highly urbanized Union Territory of north India

Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2010 Mar 23:2:19. doi: 10.1186/1758-5996-2-19.

Abstract

Objectives: 1. To determine the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in adults aged 18 years and above in Chandigarh, India. 2. To determine the socio-demographic factors associated with MS. 3. To determine the agreement between IDF (International Diabetes federation definition) and ATP-III (National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults criteria).

Methods: In a community based cross-sectional study, total 605 subjects aged 18 yrs and above were studied using multistage random sampling.

Results: Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome was estimated by using IDF and ATP-III criteria. By IDF, Metabolic Syndrome was found in 287 (47.4%) subjects and it was more prevalent among females 171 (59.6%) as compared to males 116 (40.4%). By applying ATP-III overall prevalence was less i.e. 233 (38.5%) but again its prevalence was more among females 141 (44.8%) than males 116 (39.5%). Higher socioeconomic status, sedentary occupation and high body mass index were significantly associated with Metabolic Syndrome.

Conclusions: Metabolic Syndrome is a major health problem in the region and proper emphasis should be given on its prevention and control.