Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in school children and adolescents of the urban area of Medellín, Colombia

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in school children and adolescents from Medellin, Colombia.

Methodology: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. The metabolic syndrome was defined as the presence of three or more of the following components: Body mass index equal or above the percentile 85, triglycerides of 110 mg/dL or more, HDL of 40 mg/dL or less, fasting glucose level of 100 mg/dL or more, and blood pressure equal or above the percentile 90.

Results: The overall metabolic syndrome prevalence was 6.1% (6.6% in adolescents and 5.1% in children; p = 0.131). High body mass index and elevated blood pressure prevalences were significantly higher in children (p = 0.00 in both cases); prevalences of high glucose, low HDL and elevated triglycerides were significantly higher in adolescents (p = 0.01, p = 0.00, p = 0.00). Significantly higher prevalences of elevated blood pressure and high glucose level were found in men (p = 0.00 in both cases) and that of elevated triglycerides, in women (p = 0.03).

Conclusion: Children and adolescents from Medellin, Colombia, present a prevalence of the metabolic syndrome that justify the formulation of public health policies directed to identify those who present it, and the design of strategies for primary prevention through the promotion of healthy live styles.