Prevalence and Trends of Metabolic Syndrome in the Adult U.S. Population, 1999–2010

Abstract

Objective To characterize the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), its five components and their pharmacological treatment in US adults by gender and race over time. Background MetS is a constellation of clinical risk factors for cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods Prevalence estimates were estimated in adults (≥20 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999–2010 (in 2-year survey waves). The biological thresholds, defined by the 2009 Joint Scientific Statement, were: (1) waist circumference ≥ 102 cm (males), and ≥ 88 cm (females) (2) fasting plasma glucose ≥100 mg/dl (3) blood pressure of ≥130/85 mm Hg (4) triglycerides ≥150 mg/dl (5) high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) <40 mg/dl (males) and <50 mg/dl (females). Prescription drug use was estimated for lipid-modifying agents, anti-hypertensives, and anti-hyperglycemic medications. Results From 1999/2000 to 2009/10, the age-adjusted prevalence of MetS (based on biologic thresholds) decreased from 25.5% (95%CI: 22.5–28.6) to 22.9% (20.3–25.5). During this period, hypertriglyceridemia prevalence decreased (33.5% to 24.3%), as did elevated blood pressure (32.3% to 24.0%). The prevalence of hyperglycemia increased (12.9% to 19.9%), as did elevated waist circumference (45.4% to 56.1%). These trends varied considerably by gender and race/ethnicity groups. Decreases in elevated blood pressure, suboptimal triglycerides and HDL-C prevalence have corresponded with increases in anti-hypertensive and lipid-modifying drugs, respectively. Conclusion The increasing prevalence of abdominal obesity, particularly among females, highlights the urgency of addressing abdominal obesity as a healthcare priority. The use of therapies for MetS components aligns with favorable trends in their prevalence.