Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated risk factors in Brazilian schoolchildren.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in schoolchildren from 6 to 16 years old, while considering their socio-economic status and other potential risk factors.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and November of 2005 in a semi-rural city with a total population of 13,000 inhabitants.


METHODS
The study was conducted in Maracai city, located in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo.


METHODS
Schoolchildren (n 2170) of both genders, corresponding to approximately 82% of all Maracai schoolchildren, were evaluated for components of MetS, as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program; reference values for children and adolescents were adjusted for age and sex.


RESULTS
Overall, MetS prevalence was 3.6% (95% CI 2.9, 4.5) and did not differ statistically between genders, skin colour, between children and adolescents. However, when we analysed groups of subjects by weight, MetS prevalence progressively increased from 0.3% (95% CI 0.1, 0.8) in normal-weight subjects to 10.7% (95% CI 7.4, 14.8) and 34.5% (95% CI 25.9, 43.9) in overweight and obese subjects, respectively (both P < 0.001 compared to normal-weight controls). When socio-economic classes were considered, 4.7% high-income students (95% CI 3.5, 6.2) had MetS, which was significantly greater than low-income students (2.7%; 95% CI 1.9, 3.9; P = 0.023).


CONCLUSIONS
MetS prevalence was high in overweight and obese schoolchildren and these risk factors were present during childhood and adolescence. Changes in lifestyle and alimentary safety should be encouraged to avoid future cardiovascular morbidity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Seki
Mario
M
Department of Internal Medicine, Health Science Center, Londrina State University, Londrina 86038-440, Paraná, Brazil.
Matsuo
Tiemi
T
Carrilho
Alexandre Jose Faria
AJ
D000293:Adolescent; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D050177:Overweight / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012923:Social Class; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors