Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adult Filipinos

Abstract

Rationale: Metabolic syndrome is a common condition worldwide. Until recently, there is no universal definition for metabolic syndrome. Its prevalence in the Philippines has never been studied before. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adult Filipino population. Sample Population: 4541 individuals aged ≥20 years. Methods: Nationwide survey using two-stage stratified sampling design was done in 1998. Measurement of risk factors was done by blood pressure and waist circumference determination; and laboratory testing for lipid profile and fasting blood sugar using Cholestech LDX machine. Metabolic syndrome was defined based on NCEP and International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS) criteria. For IAS criteria, the waist circumference was based on Asia Pacific criterion (>90 and 80 cm, for male and female, respectively). Results: Based on NCEP criteria, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is 14.2% (95% CI: 13.2–15.2). Using the IAS criteria, the prevalence is 19.3% (95% CI: 18.1–20.4). Stratifying the prevalence based on age revealed a prevalence of 6.6%, 17.7%, and 18.3% for ages 20–39, 40–59, 60 years and older, respectively, by NCEP criteria. IAS criteria showed a prevalence of 10.0%, 23.6%, and 24.1% for ages 20–39, 40–59, 60 years and older, respectively. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is common among Filipino adult population. There is an increasing prevalence with age. Using NCEP criteria instead of the IAS with waist circumference criterion adjusted for Asia Pacific population may underestimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.