This study aimed to examine the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MS) and different types of obesity in urban Moroccan women. On 213 women aged 25-55 years, Triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), lower-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and fasting blood glucose levels were assessed. Body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), Waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure (BP) were also measured. Globally 36.6% of women were overweight (25 < or = BMI < 30 m2), 23.9% obese (BMI > 30 m2), 19.7% had WHR > 0.85 and 28.8% had WC > or = 88 cm. Indicators of obesity increased with age and the prevalence of co-morbid factors increased with obesity. The women with android obesity (WHR > 0.85) and central obesity (WC > or = 88 cm) had greater risk compared to those with overweight and general obesity. The prevalence of MS was 17.8% and increased (31.49%) with high BMI and high WHR (50%). MS and its co-morbidity factors are prevalent among Moroccan women aged 35 years and over. The exaggerated influence of obesity in this prevalence suggests that the prevention of obesity could prevent MS and its complications.
Copyright 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.