Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its correlation with lifestyle-related risk factors among medical students: A study from a medical college in North India

Background: Health professionals despite having a fair knowledge of staying fit and healthy lose their productive hours and lives to lifestyle diseases. An early identification of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and understanding of its lifestyle correlates can play a pivotal role in its prevention. Aim and Objectives: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and associated lifestyle-related risk factors of MetS in medical students. Material and Methods: The study was an institution-based, cross-sectional, and non-interventional study. A total of 300 MBBS students of all three professional years constituted the study population. Sociodemographic variables and lifestyle-related risk factors were recorded, followed by anthropometric assessment, blood pressure measurement, and required laboratory investigations. International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria were used for MetS. Results: The prevalence of MetS in the current study was found to be 9.0%. Lower level of HDL-C emerged to be the most common parameter (57.37%) followed by abdominal obesity (25.6%) and raised triglycerides (18%). MetS increased as one progressed through the various academic years of medical training. Prevalence of MetS among male students (12.4%) was significantly higher than their female counterparts (4.1%). Frequency of eating > 7 times/week of fast food/ junk food [OR 1.75 (1.1961.306)], habit of watching screen while eating food [OR 1.78 (0.872-0.892)], >3 drinks (30 ml alcohol per drink) per month [OR 1.73 (1.068-1.170)] were found to be significant risk factors. Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of MetS among medical students and its association with various lifestyle risk factors, it is imperative that health education, screening, early detection, lifestyle interventions and framing of new health policies are given careful consideration to manage the rising trend of MetS among them.