The metabolic syndrome and associated risk factors in an urban industrial male population in South India.
BACKGROUND
The metabolic syndrome is characterized by clustering of risk factors, which predisposes subjects to increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Objectives of this study were to estimate prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and determine the association of risk factors with the metabolic syndrome in an urban industrial male population in Chennai, India.


METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional survey for male employees working in an industrial unit. The survey included questionnaire for risk factors, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. Blood samples were collected for the fasting plasma glucose, serum cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. The metabolic syndrome was defined using International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and American Heart Association (AHA)/National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) criteria.


RESULTS
The total numbers of male subjects included in the study were 1077. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 41.3% and 51.4% using IDF and AHA/NHLBI criteria respectively. Risk factors were age above 35 years, family history of diabetes and body mass index (BMI) above 23.9 kg/m2. The consumption of more than three servings of fruits and vegetables was protective.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was very high in select industrial population in south India. Higher BMI and low intake of fruits and vegetables are modifiable by life style modification. Work site screening for the metabolic syndrome would facilitate the early detection and treatment.
National Institute of Epidemiology (Indian Council of Medical research), #R-127, 3rd Avenue, Tamil Nadu Housing Board, Ayapakkam, Chennai, 600 077, India.
Prabhdeep
P
Kaur
Ezhil
E
Radhakrishnan
Sudha Ramachandra
SR
Rao
Suresh
S
Sankarasubbaiyan
Thota Venkata
TV
Rao
Mohan Digamber
MD
Gupte
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000886:Anthropometry; D001794:Blood Pressure; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007221:Industry; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population; D014944:World Health Organization