The effect of age, gender, TG/HDL-C ratio and behavioral lifestyles on the metabolic syndrome in the high risk Mediterranean Island population of Malta

Abstract

Aims: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a public health epidemic, typically with female predominance. The aim was to analyse the effect of gender and age on MetS and its components; analyse effects of lifestyle, diabetes mellitus and identify predictors for MetS including TG/HDL ratio, on a national level in a Mediterranean island. Findings will provide evidence-based data for neighboring countries to aid in combat of this epidemic.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Malta (2014-2016) on a randomized adults population sample. Various components of MetS were measured along with lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol and physical activity) and family history (cardiovascular and diabetes). Both descriptive and statistical analyses were performed.

Results: A total of 80,788 Maltese adults estimated to suffer from MetS. Males were predominantly affected with significant difference from females. All MetS components were found to be significant predictors along with alcohol habits but not smoking. Neither physical inactivity nor family history of cardiovascular disease, showed any predictive ability for MetS even after adjustment. Elevated triglyceride levels exhibited highest predictive effect on MetS. TG/HDL ratio showed predictive ability in the Maltese population.

Conclusions: Males were at higher risk for MetS in Malta. A number of predictors were established but not sedentary lifestyle. TG/HDL ratio may provide to be a good indicator for development of MetS.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Malta; Mediterranean; Metabolic syndrome; Risk factors.