title: Metabolic syndrome: comparison of prevalence in young adults at 3 land-grant universities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study examines metabolic syndrome (MetS) among college students at 3 geographically distinct US campuses.
  
  
  METHODS
  Undergraduates (N = 360; 68% women), 18 to 24 years of age, were recruited at each public university in January and February 2011. MetS prevalence was evaluated in 83% (n = 299) participants.
  
  
  METHODS
  Anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical measures were collected in the fasted state.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve percent of college men and 6% of college women met the clinical definition of MetS. Males were more likely to have ≥ 2 individual MetS criteria than females (33% vs 16%; p < .05). Prevalence and individual criteria of MetS differed between the 3 regions. Obese and overweight students met significantly more MetS criteria and had higher C-reactive protein levels than normal-weight students (both p < .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings suggest that MetS prevalence among college students differs by sex, weight status, and region. Further research is needed to identify effective, targeted interventions that are regionally appropriate for this population.
authors: a Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences , University of New Hampshire , Durham , New Hampshire.
authors: Jesse Stabile
authors: JS
authors: Morrell
authors: Carol
authors: C
authors: Byrd-Bredbenner
authors: Virginia
authors: V
authors: Quick
authors: Melissa
authors: M
authors: Olfert
authors: Amanda
authors: A
authors: Dent
authors: Gale B
authors: GB
authors: Carey
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D005260:Female; D006403:Hematologic Tests; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013334:Students; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult