Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight and Obese Filipino Adolescents Based on the IDF Definition

Abstract

Objective. This study determined the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in overweight and obese Filipino adolescents. Methodology. A total of 350 overweight and obese Filipino adolescents (aged 10 to 18 years, 206 males and 144 females) referred to pediatric endocrine clinics in Metro Manila were included. Weight, height, waist and blood pressure were measured and fasting lipid profiles, blood glucose and insulin were determined. MetS is defined as presence of three out of five clinical features: central obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL-C level and hypertension. The prevalence of MetS was determined based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition. Results. The overall prevalence of MetS in overweight and obese adolescents was 19%. Among participants, 98% had abdominal adiposity, 25% hypertension, 24% hypertriglyceridemia, 17% low HDL and 12% hyperglycemia; 67% had hyperinsulinemia (>15 uU/ml) and 70% had insulin resistance based on HOMA-IR (≥3). Among those with MetS, 14% had 3 components and 5% had 4 components; the prevalence of hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance rose to 79% and 90%, respectively, with high mean levels of serum insulin (31.3 μU/ml) and HOMA-IR (7.7). Conclusion. Overweight and obese adolescents are at risk to develop MetS. The prevalence of hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance is high.