Half of U.S. Adults Over 60 Have Metabolic Syndrome

Fifty-percent of U.S. adults over 60 years old were estimated to have metabolic syndrome in 2011- 2012, according to a recent study published in JAMA.

A cluster of risk factors that can lead to dangerous cardiovascular issues and early death, metabolic syndrome may include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol.

The study, which included data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999-2006, also reported that 35 percent of all U.S. adults over 20 - not just the elderly - have metabolic syndrome.

Women more at risk

Between 2003 and 2012, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in women than in men, while the racial-ethnic community most affected by the condition were Hispanics, followed by non-Hispanic whites and African-Americans.

Age plays a key role in the development of metabolic syndrome, with older populations suffering the most from this condition.


Researchers did note the prevalence of metabolic syndrome has remained stable from 2007 - 2012, suggesting there is greater awareness of the condition.

"Furthermore, recent NHANES data demonstrate that obesity prevalence in the United States also appears to have stabilized, which also may contribute to the stabilizing prevalence of the metabolic syndrome," the researchers wrote.

Source: The JAMA Network


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