An eye-opening new study found almost 35 percent of all U.S. adults, and 50 percent of the elderly, suffer from metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome is a combination of conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, that can be fatal, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported. The recent analysis of metabolic syndrome trends in the U.S. could help policy makers understand its prevalence and work to fight it.
Between the years of 2003 and 2012, the overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased from 32.9 percent to 34.7 percent. Between 2003 and 2012, prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in women than men. It was also more prevalent among Hispanics than non-Hispanic blacks and whites.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome also increased with age, ranging from 18.3 percent in 20 to 39 year olds, to 46.7 percent in those over the age of 60. In the over 60 age group, over 50 percent of women and Hispanics had metabolic syndrome. The researchers noted the high prevalence of the life-threatening condition in this age group is "a concerning observation given the aging U.S. population."
The researchers believe a greater awareness of metabolic syndrome and the health consequences involved may be aiding the improvement of treatment for major risk factors, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
"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 said.
