Association between urbanization and metabolic syndrome in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Aims: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is on the rise in an increasingly urbanized world. The study aimed to review the association between urbanization and MetS in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Data synthesis: A comprehensive search of five databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and CENTRAL) was performed in January 2022 and updated in October 2022. Peer-reviewed studies that met the eligibility selection criteria were included. Search terms were used for the main concepts which are MetS, dietary patterns, and urbanization in LMICs. Study selection was done in two stages and in duplicate. Random effects models were used to calculate the overall pooled prevalence and main study-level characteristics. Out of 9,773 identified studies, nineteen were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The studies were done on 313,644 participants (149,616 urban and 164,028 rural). The pooled risk ratio (RR, 95% confidence interval) of MetS between urban and rural dwellers was RR = 1.24; 95%CI [1.15, 1.34] (I² = 96.0%, P < 0.0001). A relatively higher prevalence of MetS among urban than rural residents has been observed, especially with the International Diabetes Federation criteria (RR = 1.54; 95%CI [1.21, 1.96]; I² = 65.0%), and in the population in India (RR = 2.19; 95%CI = 1.24, 3.88, I² = 85%). Overall, the role of dietary patterns in the development of MetS was inconsistent, and few studies showed a lower risk of MetS with adherence to recommended healthy dietary patterns.

Conclusions: There was an association between urbanization and the high prevalence of MetS. Interventions and policies to reduce the risk of MetS are needed.

Keywords: Dietary pattern; Low- and middle-income countries; Metabolic syndrome; Nutrition transition; Urbanization.