Trends in Lipids, Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Diabetes Mellitus in the United States: An NHANES Analysis (2003-2004 to 2013-2014)

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate frequency and prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus in US adults.

Methods: Data were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; 2003-2004 to 2013-2014) (n = 32,188). The frequency and prevalence of diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² ), and abdominal obesity were calculated and extrapolated to the US adult population. Average levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) were also assessed.

Results: Mean HDL-C remained constant over the study in men (~48 mg/dL) and women (~58 mg/dL). A downward trend was observed for median TG levels in men (122 mg/dL, 2003-2004; 98 mg/dL, 2013-2014) and women (110 mg/dL, 2003-2004; 90 mg/dL, 2013-2014). The estimated frequency of obesity increased by 20.4 million, and the estimated frequency of diabetes increased by 9 million, affecting 21.2 million (10%) and 30.2 million (13%) US adults, respectively. The estimated frequency (and prevalence) of metabolic syndrome was unchanged at ~50 million (23%).

Conclusions: The frequency and prevalence of key cardiovascular risk factors, particularly diabetes and obesity, continue to increase in US adults and represent a substantial clinical burden. More effective preventive interventions are required to reduce the rising prevalence of obesity and its metabolic sequelae.