Metabolic Syndrome Among College Students

An estimated 30% to 35% of U.S. college students are affected by overweight and obesity, placing them at a substantial risk for metabolic dysfunction. However, little monitoring for metabolic dysfunction seems to be occurring in college health facilities. This study reviewed data obtained in a university student health center to determine whether blood pressure, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, blood glucose, and waist circumference measurements indicate a prevalence of metabolic syndrome in this population. The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the current sample was only 10%; however, the rate of having any metabolic abnormality was 43%, with the students having at least 1 component of metabolic syndrome. In addition, 14.3% of the students had 2 components of metabolic syndrome.