Body Mass Index and the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Children and Adolescents in Two Mexican Populations

Abstract

Purpose To report the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) among children and adolescents living in central Mexico, and its association with body mass index (BMI). Methods In a sample of 1366 subjects from 7 to 24-years-old, a self-administered questionnaire was used to determined demographic characteristics. The definition of pediatric MS was determined using analogous criteria to Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII) as ≥ 3 of the following: concentration of triglycerides ≥ 100 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol < 45 mg/dL for males and < 50 mg/dL for females, waist circumference ≥ 75th percentile (sex specific), glucose concentration ≥ 110 to < 126 mg/dL, and systolic or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90th percentile (age, height, and sex specific). Results Most of the sample was in the 10–14- (32.4%) and the 15–19-year (35.4%) age groups, mostly females (57%), and 31% of this young sample was overweight (mean BMI = 21.6 kg/m 2). About 1 in every 5 participants had full criteria for MS (19.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.4–22.1 among females, and 20.2%, 95% CI: 17.1–23.7 among males), and only 1 in every 10 was free of any MS component. The most common component was a low HDL level, observed in 85.4% of the sample. Unfavorable fat distribution, as indicated by a large waist circumference, was present in 27.9% of the sample. About 66% of those 10–14-year-olds with a large BMI were positive for MS. Conclusions MS and overweight are major problems for youth in Mexico. Immediate and comprehensive actions at home and schools are needed if Mexico wants to avoid the heavy burden that this disorder will have for its population in the near future.