Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in people of Asian Indian origin: outcomes by definitions

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) is high among south Asian Indians. In order to better comprehend the MS, its definition and modifications require region-specific cut-off values and common minimum criteria for people of Indian origin.

Methods: To define the MS, the criteria as defined in the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP): expert panel on detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) (ATP III 2001), followed by the modified ATP III of 2005 were used, along with a modified version specific to the people of south Asian origin (ATP III SAS, 2009).

Results: The three definitions showed differences in prevalence of the MS among the adult Asian Indians. According to the criteria of NCEP ATP III 2001, the prevalence was found to be 32.3%. Using the modified ATP III 2005, the prevalence was 48.3%, and for south Asian-specific (SAS) ATP III, it was 31.4%. For all three definitions, females had a considerably higher prevalence of the MS than males. It was also observed that that a large number of individuals were misclassified due to lack of common minimum criteria.

Conclusion: In order to curb the growing threat of the MS, and to aid clinical management among people of Indian origin, a more comprehensive definition of the MS is urgently required.