Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in secondary school adolescents in Beijing, China.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence and distribution of the metabolic syndrome and to determine the risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome in secondary school adolescents.


METHODS
In 2006, we conducted a school-based survey in Beijing, China. Questionnaire data, anthropometric, blood pressure, and biochemical measurements were available for 2020 adolescents aged 14-16 years. The metabolic syndrome was assessed using the National Cholesterol Education Program's (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) criteria modified for age.


RESULTS
The overall prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among adolescents was 3.3%. In Beijing, 4.2% of boys and 2.5% of girls were affected (p<0.05). The syndrome was present in 28.1% of obese adolescents compared with 6.0% of overweight and 0.2% of normal status (p<0.001). Abdominal obesity and elevated blood pressure were the most common components of the metabolic syndrome in boys, and elevated triglyceride (TG) and abdominal obesity were the most common in girls. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was influenced by body mass index (BMI) status, father's educational degree and pubertal development.


CONCLUSIONS
The metabolic syndrome and its components are frequent in overweight and obese adolescents in Beijing. Early identification and treatment of these risk factors may help target intervention to improve future cardiovascular health.
Xu
Yi-Qun
YQ
Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.
Ji
Cheng-Ye
CY
D000293:Adolescent; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003625:Data Collection; D004522:Educational Status; D005220:Fathers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D050152:Intra-Abdominal Fat; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D014280:Triglycerides