Mee Young Im and Gyeong Ae Seomun
Objectives: To evaluate gender specific characteristics in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and abnormalities in Korean population using the 2009 Joint Interim Statement of the International Diabetes Federation.
Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of data based on the 2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). MetS prevalence was calculated for 5,935 Korean adults (≥ 20 years of age) by sex and age group. Incidence rates of five MetS risk factors were also assessed. Results: The prevalence of MetS among Koreans was 21.7% (22.9% for men, 20.6% for women). Elderly women after menopause had the highest prevalence of MetS and all five risk factors. Young and middle-aged men had higher prevalence and risk factors of MetS than similarly-aged women, but the rate of MetS in women surged significantly from age 50 and surpassed that of men thereafter. Women had a higher prevalence of low HDL cholesterol than men in all age groups. Of the five MetS risk factors, the prevalence of hypertension was highest (36.0%). About one-third of Korean have hypertension as a main risk factor.
Conclusion: We observed a mounting gender disparity with age due to an increase in the prevalence of metabolic abnormalities in female. Preventive strategies including lifestyle interventions and health education about MetS need to be implemented pre-menopausal women and middle-aged men. Therapeutic strategies including drug intervention should be employed for elderly women. In 2012, more than one-fifth of Korean have MetS. These results indicate that MetS is an imperative public health issue that needs to be managed at the national level. Reducing the rates of hypertension and dyslipidemia will be critical to controlling MetS. This study provides not only the latest information but also target population and high risk factors for controlling MetS.
