Objective: To analyze the current prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its trend in the past 5 years in China.
Methods: In 2004-2005, cross-sectional sampling surveys were conducted in 13 research populations from southern and northern parts, urban and rural areas in China, with internationally standardized criteria and measurement. 1000-2000 participants for each group, even number of man and women, were examined. Out of them, there were 13,732 participants aged 35-59 years. Comparison was made for 10 populations with comparable data in 1998 to observe the trend in the past 5 years. MS was defined according to Chinese Medical Association Diabetes Branch definition set in 2004.
Results: The prevalence of MS was 12.1%. The adjusted prevalence was higher in men (13.9%) than in women (8.5%), higher in residents from the northern (15.0%) than the southern (6.8%) and from urban (11.3%) than rural (10.1%). Out of the participants with MS, 60.4% were with obesity, high blood pressure or with dyslipidemia. Comparing with data in 1998, the adjusted prevalence rates of MS in 2004-2005 had a significantly increase (10.0% vs. 7.2%, P<0.05), in men than in women, in residents from the northern part than in the south (P<0.05). Regardless the geographic areas as from the north or south, from urban or rural, the mean levels of triglyceride, body mass index and waist circumference were higher in 2004-2005 than that in 1998.
Conclusion: The prevalence of MS was increasing in middle aged Chinese population. Prevention and treatment of obesity, high blood pressure and dyslipidemia were effective ways to control MS.