Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in adult population in Shiraz, southern Iran

AimMetabolic syndrome (MSx) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study evaluated the prevalence of MSx in adult population in Shiraz, southern Iran.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study conducted between October 2012 and April 2013, using a simple random sampling method, 377 adults aged more than 20 years who were invited for periodic health examinations to Petroleum Industry Health Organization Polyclinic, a general health care center, Shiraz, southern Iran, were studied. The revised National Cholesterol Education Program–Adult Treatment Panel III was used for the diagnosis of MSx.ResultsThe participants included 190 women and 187 men with a mean ± SD age of 43.8 ± 11.0 (range: 20–86) years. Of 377 participants, 101 (26.8%, 95% CI: 22.3–31.3%) had MSx. The prevalence in men (16.6%) was significantly (p < 0.001) lower than that in women (36.8%). The prevalence increased by almost 15% with each decade of life (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe prevalence of MSx in our population, particularly in women, is high. Strategies should be planned to prevent the increasing prevalence of MSx in our country.