Prevalence and predictors of metabolic syndrome among healthy Saudi Adults

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was determined as a cross-sectional study among 600 healthy Saudi adults (52% males and 58% aged 35–50 years) attending National Guard clinics using the definition proposed by National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 21%. Only one third of the participants had normal weight (body mass index = 18.5–24.9). Central obesity based on waist circumferences was noted in 21% of males and 22% of females. Low high-density lipoprotein-C showed the highest prevalence (29%) followed by high triglyceride (24%). About 14% of participants had impaired fasting blood glucose (≥ 110 mg/dl). Only 6% had high blood pressure (≥ 130/85 mmHg). More than three quarters (77.3%) of the respondents had > 1 component of metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, metabolic syndrome needs to be addressed as an important health problem in the Gulf region.