Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–18

Purpose To estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–18. Methods This study included 8183 eligible nonpregnant participants aged ≥20 years from the NHANES 2011–18. MetS was defined as the presence of at least three of the following components: central obesity, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting blood glucose. The prevalence of MetS was estimated taking into account the complex sampling. The time trend was evaluated using logistic regression. Results The total prevalence of MetS increased from 37.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 34.0%–41.4%] in 2011–12 to 41.8% (95% CI: 38.1%–45.7%) in 2017–18 (P for trend = .028). Among the MetS components, the prevalence of elevated glucose increased from 48.9% (95% CI: 45.7%–52.5%) in 2011–12 to 64.7% (95% CI: 61.4%–67.9%) in 2017–18 (P for trend <.001). The prevalence of MetS in participants with low educational attainment increased from 44.4% (95% CI: 38.8%–50.1%) in 2011–12 to 55.0% (95% CI: 50.8%–59.1%) in 2017–18 (P for trend = .01). Conclusion The prevalence of MetS increased during 2011–18, notably in participants with low educational attainment. Lifestyle modification is needed to prevent MetS and the associated risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Key messages What is already known on this topic: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome is an index of the cardiometabolic health of a population. What this study adds: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in US adults increased during 2011–18, notably in participants with low educational attainment. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy: Lifestyle modification is needed to prevent metabolic syndrome and the associated risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.