Frequency and predictors of metabolic syndrome in adolescents /first year medical students of a public sector medical college Quetta, Pakistan

Objective: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in medical students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Bolan Medical College, Quetta, Pakistan, from August 2015 to January 2016, and comprised healthy first-year medical students. Demographic data was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Height, weight and waist circumference were measured along with fasting blood sugar, high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides by using automated biochemistry analyser. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. Results: Of the 225 participants, 127(56.4%) were females. The overall mean age was 18.80 +/- 0.426 years. Frequency of metabolic syndrome was 32(14.2%). Increased waist circumference, fasting blood sugar and triglycerides were associated with an increased likelihood of exhibiting metabolic syndrome (p<0.05 each). Male gender and high-density lipoprotein were found to be protective against metabolic syndrome (p<0.05 each). Conclusion: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing in our adolescent population which demands screening from childhood and early adolescence.