Age & Sex Differences in Risk Factors for Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

With an increase in the obese population, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing in Pakistan. This study aimed to identify age and sex specific risk factors for metabolic syndrome. A cross sectional study was designed including 210 adults aged 40 years and above. 90 males and 120 females were included in the study to see the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in different age groups, evaluation of anthropometric variables, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and lipids were done. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using Modified ATP III criteria. The population was stratified in the three groups. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome for each age group (40-50, 51-60 and 61-above) in men was 4.9%, 18%, 9% and in women 7.1%, 14%, 30% respectively. Among the risk factors, increased prevalence of raised triglyceride and low HDL levels in women were seen and that of high fasting glucose in both genders with aging. To conclude, the vulnerable groups at high risk of metabolic syndrome are those of middle-aged men and women. The pattern of risk factors is sex-specific.