Trends in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components in the United States 2007-2014

Abstract

Background: Recent trends in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components among U.S. adults are not known.

Methods: We performed an updated analysis using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2014 data to investigate the latest trends of prevalence of MetS and its components. MetS was defined based on the modified National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Multiple regression models were used to assess linear trends over the years, after adjusting for sex, age, and race/ethnicity, as appropriate. Sampling weights were considered to account for complex sampling design, and all estimates were adjusted by age by a direct method.

Results: During 2007-2014, the age-adjusted weighted prevalence (±standard error) of MetS among U.S. adults was 34.3 ± 0.8%. In age-stratified analysis, 54.9 ± 1.7% of elderly population aged 60 and over had MetS. When evaluating trends from 2007 to 2014, the prevalence of MetS remained stable in all sex, age, and race/ethnicity groups (P-trends > 0.100 for all). Among the components of MetS, the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and fasting hyperglycemia decreased (P-trend <0.050). However, the prevalence of abdominal obesity significantly increased, especially in women (P-trend = 0.009). The prevalence of elevated blood pressure and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level remained stable.

Conclusions: The prevalence of MetS remained stable during 2007-2014. However, it was still prevalent in the U.S., especially among the elderly population. The prevalence of abdominal obesity continued to increase in women for which more efforts should be made.

Keywords: Abdominal obesity; Dyslipidemia; Epidemiology; Hypertension; Impaired fasting glucose; Metabolic syndrome.