Association between Smoking and Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Adults: Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate an association between smoking and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Korean population. Methods: Study subjects were 18,818 participants (≥19 years) from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys between 2007 and 2010. Smoking status was assessed using self-administered questionnaire and components of MetS were measured. Presence of Mets was ascertained according to revised National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Logistic regression analysis was done to evaluate an association between smoking status and MetS with an adjustment for age, education, physical activity, alcohol intake, total fat intake, total fi ber intake, and body mass index. Results: Compared with never-smoker, Mets was more prevalent among both current smokers (odds ratio [OR], 1.53; 95% confi dence interval [CI], 1.20 to 1.95) and past smokers (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.65) for men, while the prevalence of MetS was higher among only current smokers (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.42) for women. For components of MetS, male current smokers had an increased risk for abdominal obesity (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.22), high triglyceride (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.56 to 2.25), and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.66) and a decreased risk for high blood pressure (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.97) compared with never-smokers. Female current smokers showed increased risk for abdominal obesity (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.13 to 2.26), high triglyceride (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.48 to 2.58), and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.84). Conclusion: Smoking was associated with increased risk for Mets and most metabolic components in Korean adults.