Metabolic syndrome and its association with obesity and lifestyle factors in Sudanese population

Although modern life style factors affecting health is a crucial problem globally, little information about metabolic syndrome (MetS) is available for the Sudanese population. With this consideration the study was planned to assess the prevalence of MetS among young people of Sudan and their association with obesity and lifestyle factors. Serum lipid profile, blood glucose and clinically established parameters for obesity were assessed in 179 young adult male and 201 females at National Ribat University, Sudan. Relevant statistical test were applied using SPSS software. Based on anthropometric measurements, 137 students were obese. Amongst the 243 non-obese students 5 were under weight, 135 normal weight and 103 were over weight. In the study population, 317 students were normal (83.4%) and 63 students had MetS (16.6%) as defined by ATP III definition of MetS classification. MetS was found only in obese individuals (45.98%) and no case was detected in underweight, normal and overweight individual. The mean of cholesterol level in subjects with MetS was 159 as compared to those without it (149.93). Life style modification as healthy diet, regular exercise and preventive strategies may help reduce MetS, thus improving general health conditions in young individuals of Sudan.