Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Mexico: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is closely linked with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases. The T2DM is one of the major causes of mortality and public health concern in Mexico. Some studies reported MetS prevalence in different regions from Mexico. However, a systematic report or meta-analysis on MetS prevalence is not available. The aim of this study was to estimate the pooled prevalence of MetS among apparently healthy Mexican adults. Methods: A systematic review was done of scientific articles published and available from different sources, including MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and SCIELO. The overall prevalence of MetS and prevalence based on different diagnostic criteria [National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III), International Diabetes Federation (IDF), American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI), and World Health Organization (WHO)] were pooled using a random-effects model, and the results were presented in a forest plot. The study was performed based on the criteria of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Results: Altogether, 15 studies were included in the systematic meta-analysis. The estimated prevalence of MetS, based on different criteria, was as follows: IDF 54% (95% CI 0.44-0.63), AHA/NHLBI 48% (95% CI 0.34-0.62), ATP III 36% (95% CI 0.30-0.42), and WHO 31% (95% CI 0.04-0.81). According to the Der Simonian-Laird random-effects model, a pooled prevalence of MetS in Mexico was 41% (95% CI 0.34-0.47). Conclusions: This study reported a high prevalence of MetS among healthy Mexican adults, in comparison with reports from other countries, including United States and Latin America. An urgent need to control and prevent MetS and its consequent health complications in Mexican populations is recommended.