A High Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome Traits in Mexicans Points at Obesity-Related Metabolic Dysfunction

Abstract

Introduction Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is a construct relating to a series of metabolic dysfunctions attributable to insulin resistance and obesity. Here, we estimate the incidence of MS according to their individual components using a Mexican open-population cohort. Methods We evaluated data of 6144 Mexicans amongst whom 3340 did not have MS either by IDF or ATP-III definitions using data from an open-population cohort. We estimated the incidence of MS and each of its traits after a median follow-up of 2.24 (IQR 2.05–2.58) years and evaluated risk factors for MS incidence and each of its traits. We also explored individuals without any MS trait to evaluate trait and MS incidence after follow-up. Results We observed a high incidence of MS-IDF (115.11 cases per 1000 person-years, 95% CI 107.76–122.47), followed by MS-ATP-III (75.77 cases per 1000 person-years, 95% CI). The MS traits with the highest incidence were low HDL-C and abdominal obesity, which was consistent for subjects without MS and those without any MS trait. When assessing predictors of MS incidence, obesity, insulin resistance, and increased apolipoprotein B levels predicted MS incidence. Weight loss >5% of body weight and physical activity were the main protective factors. Obesity was a main determinant for incident MS traits in our population, with weight loss being also a protective factor for most MS traits. Conclusion We observed a high incidence of MS in apparently healthy Mexican adults. Low HDL-C and abdominal obesity were the most frequent incident MS traits, with obesity being the main determinant of its incidence.

B-Cell Activating Factor Increases Related to Adiposity, Insulin Resistance, and Endothelial Dysfunction in Overweight and Obese Subjects

“…This study was conducted in a young adult population without comorbidities, despite which high dyslipidemia (hypertriglyceridemia and high-density hypolipoproteinemia), IR, and MS frequencies stood out in all study groups. Similar findings have been reported in young Mexican populations, where some of the most frequent MS traits found were low HDL-c and hypertriglyceridemia [ 36 , 37 ]—observations that are consistent with the high prevalence of low HDL-c levels reported in all previous Mexican health surveys [ 38 ]. Additionally, research performed in a young OW and OB Mexican population showed similar frequencies of MS and IR to those reported in this study [ 39 ].…”

“…The prevalence of obesity and MS in Mexico has been consistently increasing in recent decades, mostly attributable to sedentism, high-carbohydrate and high-fat diets, genetic factors, and insufficient public policies targeted to decreasing its impact on the general population [ 36 ]. This study was conducted in a young adult population without comorbidities, despite which high dyslipidemia (hypertriglyceridemia and high-density hypolipoproteinemia), IR, and MS frequencies stood out in all study groups.…”

Association Between Hemoglobin Glycation Index and Metabolic Syndrome in Middle-Aged and Older People

“… 4 , 17 MetS forms a cluster of metabolic dysregulations including ectopic lipid accumulation, insulin resistance (IR), obesity, and many other health factors. 18 In this study, we investigated the relationship between MetS and HGI.…”

Derivation and validation of sex-specific continuous metabolic syndrome scores for the Mexican adult population

“…A high prevalence of MetS has been reported among healthy Mexican adults, compared to reports from other countries, including the United States and Latin America 4 . Estimates of the prevalence of MetS have steadily increased in Mexico, mainly due to several multifactorial components in Mexicans, including genetic factors, an increase in the consumption of high-carbohydrate diets, a high prevalence of sedentary lifestyle, and limited use of public policies aimed at reducing the impact of MetS on the general population 5 .…”