Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its risk factors in adult Malaysians: Results of a nationwide survey

Wan Nazaimoon Wan Mohamud, Aziz al Safi Ismail, Amir Sharifuddin Md Khir, Ikram Shah Ismail, Kamarul Imran Musa, Khalid Abdul Kadir, Nor Azmi Kamaruddin, Nor Azwany Yaacob, Norlaila Mustafa, Osman Ali, Siti Harnida Md Isa, Wan Mohamad Wan Bebakar

Research output: Contribution to journalComment / DebateOtherpeer-review

41 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aim: To report the national prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its risk factors among adult Malaysians (>18. years old) based on World Health Organization (WHO), the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel III (ATP III), International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the 'Harmonized' criteria. Methods: A multi-stage stratified sampling method was used to select 4341 subjects from Peninsular and East Malaysia. Subjects underwent physical and clinical examinations. Results: Based on the WHO, ATP III, IDF and Harmonized definitions, the overall crude prevalences of MetS were 32.1, 34.3, 37.1 and 42.5%, respectively. Regardless of the criteria used, MetS was higher in urban areas, in females, in the Indian population and increased significantly with age. Risk factors also increased with age; abdominal obesity was most prevalent (57.4%), was higher in females (64.2%) and was highest in Indians (68.8%). Hypertension was higher in males (56.5%) and highest among Malays (52.2%). In contrast, the Chinese had the highest prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia (47.4%). Conclusions: Malaysia has a much higher prevalence of MetS compared with other Asian countries and, unless there is immediate intervention to reduce risk factors, this may pose serious implications on the country's healthcare costs and services.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)91-97
Number of pages7
JournalDiabetes Research and Clinical Practice
Volume96
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2012

Keywords

  • Malaysia
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Risk factors

Cite this