Metabolic syndrome prevalence and its risk factors among adults in China: A nationally representative cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine sex disparity in metabolic syndrome prevalence and its risk factors among Chinese adults.MethodsUsing the 2010–2012 China National Nutrition and Health Survey (CNNHS), a nationally representative cross-sectional study on nutrition and non-communicable chronic diseases, a total of 98,042 participants aged 18 years and older were included in the analysis. Dietary information was collected with a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the updated NCEP ATP III criteria. A multivariable logistic regression model was performed to examine the associations between sociodemographic and dietary factors with metabolic syndrome prevalence, and the results are presented using odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe overall standardized prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 24.2% (24.6% in men and 23.8% in women). The metabolic syndrome prevalence was positively associated with age in men and women. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was negatively associated with the physical activity level among men and inversely associated with the education level among women (P for trend ConclusionsThe prevalence of metabolic syndrome in men was not different from that in women. There are sex-specific associations between multiple risk factors and metabolic syndrome.