The epidemiological profile of metabolic syndrome in Indian population: A comparative study between men and women

Background: Metabolic syndrome is one of the most important risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing chronic diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its component as well as to find out the predictors in India. It has also tried to see the coexistence of metabolic syndrome and other morbid conditions. Methods: This study has utilized the secondary data collected in fourth round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), which was conducted during 2015-2016 in India. Since this study is concentrated on metabolic syndrome among women and men, so various information regarding biomarker measurements and various socio-economic, demographic and lifestyle characteristics have been used. Appropriate bivariate and multivariate analysis have been done to carry out the results. Results: In this representative sample of Indian men, about 1.1% have met the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria for metabolic syndrome whereas almost 1.5% women aged 15-49 have met this criteria. The results of multivariate analysis revealed that the risk of metabolic syndrome increase steadily with age and the risk is quite high among people belonging to higher wealth quintiles and postmenopausal period. Conclusion: Though this study has shown a comparatively lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome but at the same time it has highlighted some high prevalence for the components of metabolic syndrome. So emphasis should be focused on prevention, early detection of metabolic risk factors and treatment of its components that will have a significant impact on future adult health.