Metabolic syndrome among adults aged 18–40 years in the United Arab Emirates: prevalence and associated factors using harmonized criteria

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to a constellation of cardiometabolic risk factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This study estimated the prevalence of MetS and its associated factors in young adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This was a cross-sectional study. We collected data from participants aged 18–40 years in the UAE Healthy Future Study ( N  = 5,050). Demographic and health information was collected through self-reported questionnaires. Anthropometric data and blood pressure measurements were taken, and blood samples were collected for subsequent biochemical analyses. According to the harmonized criteria, the overall prevalence of MetS was 22.4% (95% confidence interval: 21.2–23.5%). MetS was more prevalent in men (26.1%) than in women (16.7%). Elevated blood pressure (40%) was the most prevalent component of MetS, followed by abdominal obesity (39%) and reduced HDL-c (37%). Approximately 7% of the participants had all five components of MetS. Significant risk factors for MetS in the studied cohort included male sex, older age, being married, and a lower level of education. MetS was highly prevalent in our young study population, affecting approximately one in four young Emiratis. Population-based control strategies that focus on a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity and a healthy diet, are strongly recommended to decrease the future burden of T2DM and cardiovascular diseases.