Metabolic syndrome prevalence is high in the U.S.

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

Researchers have found a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the US population. Estimates are nearly 35% of all US adults and 50% of those 60 years and older in 2011-2012 have the condition.

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of health conditions, including obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and poor lipid profile that contribute to cardiovascular illness and death.

Researchers used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2012 data to evaluate trends in metabolic syndrome among adults age 20 years and older. Prevalence was higher in women compared with men.

When stratified by race/ethnicity, the highest prevalence was in Hispanics, followed by non-Hispanic whites and blacks. Overall prevalence increased from 32.9% in 2003-2004 to 34.7% in 2011-2012.

By age groups, prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased by age groups. Among people age 20 to 39 years, prevalence was 18.3%, and it increased to 46.7% among those 60 years or older. The researchers defined this as “a concerning observation given the aging US population.”

Greater awareness of the condition and its health consequences may be contributing to improved treatment of risk factors. Finally, recent NHANES data demonstrate that obesity rates are stabilizing, which may lead to stabilizing the prevalence of metabolic syndrome as well.