Metabolic syndrome among New York City (NYC) adults: change in prevalence from 2004 to 2013-2014 using New York City Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Purpose: In this study we aim to estimate the change in metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence among New York City (NYC) adults between 2004 and 2013-2014 and identify key subgroups at risk.

Methods: We analyzed data from NYC Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. MetS was defined as having at least three of the following: abdominal obesity, low HDL, elevated triglycerides, glucose dysregulation, and elevated blood pressure. We calculated age-standardized MetS prevalence, change in prevalence over time, and prevalence ratios by gender and race/ethnicity groups. We also tested for additive interaction.

Results: In 2013-2014 MetS prevalence among NYC adults was 24.4% (95% CI, 21.4-27.6). Adults 65+ years and Asian adults had the highest prevalence (45.6% and 33.8%, respectively). Abdominal obesity was the most prevalent MetS component in 2004 and 2013-2014 (50.7% each time). Between 2004 and 2013-2014, MetS decreased by 18.2% (P = .04) among women. The decrease paralleled similar declines in elevated triglycerides and glucose dysregulation. In 2013-14, non-Latino Black women had higher risk of MetS than non-Latino Black men and non-Latino White adults.

Conclusion: Age and racial/ethnic disparities in MetS prevalence in NYC were persistent from 2004 to 2013-2014, with Asian adults and non-Latino Black women at particularly high risk.