Active Smoking and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies

Abstract

BackgroundEpidemiological evidence suggests that smoking has been associated with emergence of metabolic syndrome. However, data on this issue are inconsistent and controversial. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to examine the association between smoking and metabolic syndrome.Methodology and Principal FindingsWe searched the Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library database up to March 2012 to identify prospective cohort studies related to smoking and metabolic syndrome. Reference lists of retrieved articles were also reviewed. Summary effect estimates were derived using a random-effects model and stratified by gender, smoking dose, follow-up duration and geographical area. Primary analysis of 13 studies involving 56,691 participants and 8,688 cases detected a significant positive association between active smoking and risk of metabolic syndrome (pooled relative risk [RR] 1.26, 95% CI: 1.10–1.44). Estimates of effects were substantially consistent in the stratified analyses. In the dose-response analysis, risk of metabolic syndrome was stronger for active male smokers (pooled RR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.20–1.50) than it was for former male smokers (pooled RR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.00–1.42), and greater for heavy smokers (pooled RR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.27–1.59) compared with light smokers (pooled RR 1.10, 95% CI: 0.90–1.35). No evidence of statistical publication bias was found (Egger' s test P = 0.227, Begg' s test P = 0.113).ConclusionsActive smoking is associated with development of metabolic syndrome. Smoking cessation appears to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome.

The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review

“…Smoking is an established risk factor for COPD and has been associated with increased MetS prevalence and increased CVD risk (11). It would thus be expected that the prevalence of smokers is higher in COPD patients with MetS compared to patients without MetS.…”

“…The prevalence of MetS in the general population varies from 21%−31% in Asia (6,7), to 34% in the USA (8), and increases with increasing age and body mass index (BMI) (9). Predisposing factors associated with MetS development are smoking (10,11) and a sedentary lifestyle (12,13), which are well-described features in COPD patients (3). Moreover, specific factors relating to COPD as a primary lung disease, such as relative hypoxaemia and steroid use may also contribute to the MetS (14).…”

Association between the time of length since smoking cessation and insulin resistance in asymptomatic Korean male ex-smokers

“…Smoking is a major risk factor for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease [4][5][6][7]. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases, with an increasing prevalence rate in the world [8], and the number of patients in Korea is approaching 4.8 million.…”

The latent classes and factors affecting quality of life among South Koreans with metabolic syndrome

“…So, in the 'low physical actor' class, improved metabolic index could be achieved by decreasing BMI through promoting physical activity. In the case of the 'low physical actor with smoking and alcohol' class, it is important to inform subjects that smoking increases waist circumference, decreases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, increases triglycerides, and increases blood glucose by causing insulin resistance (Sun et al, 2012). Smoking also inhibits blood flow, putting strain on the heart and tiring muscles, which can lead to poor physical activity (Alkerwi et al, 2009).…”