Metabolic syndrome (MetS) encompasses a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors such as central obesity, low levels of HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Identifying children and adolescents at risk of developing MetS early on is crucial, as they are highly susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life Consanguinity (marriages between first or second cousins) can contribute to multiple factors associated with the disease. Obesity and insulin resistance are contributing factors to MetS in children and adolescents, with obesity being the primary factor that worsens with increased body weight. In Pakistan, several studies have addressed MetS and its associated complications, including the issue of screening affordability in children. Initiatives focusing on balanced dietary advice and interventions to identify alarming biomarkers of MetS have been implemented.
Metabolic syndrome and obesity among marginalized school-going adolescents in Karachi, Pakistan: a cross-sectional study
Findings
The study revealed an overall prevalence of MetS among the adolescents in the two slum areas as 16.7%. A higher prevalence of MetS was observed among females (9.1%) and those with lower body mass index BMI (13.6%). The diagnostic criteria proposed by Cruz and Goran were found to be the most sensitive, with a MetS diagnosis rate of 22.93%. The study also identified several significant risk factors associated with MetS, including sedentary lifestyle (7.7%), lack of physical activity (7.5%), increased screen time (1.5%), lower fruit consumption (6.1%), and underweight (7.7%). Among slum-dwelling adolescents, low levels of HDL-cholesterol (33.96 ± 5.21), high triglyceride levels (161.45 ± 63.09), and elevated fasting plasma glucose levels (112.59 ± 28.92) were prevalent components of MetS.
