Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Young Adults in a Historically Black College (HBCU) Setting

Abstract

Ethnic disparities in the prevalence of obesity continue to exist. African Americans (AA) continue to report higher rates for obesity than any other ethnic group. However, there is limited data on the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MtS) in young AA. Overweight and obesity are linked to greater risk for MtS, a cluster of chronic diseases that include a high body mass index (BMI), diabetes, hypertension and lipid imbalance. With an objective to create greater awareness through early detection and intervention, SHAPE UP KSU was launched through a successful collaboration between researchers, the local health department and teaching faculty in the fall of 2009 at Kentucky State University, an HBCU. With more than 2/3 of KSU students being AA (18–24 years), freshmen students (n=149) were recruited and were screened for 1. Body Mass Index, 2. Waist and hip measurements 2. Fasting sugar, 3. Total Cholesterol, 4. HDL, 5. LDL, 6. Fasting Triglycerides and 7. Blood Pressure. Applying NCEP ATP III criteria for MtS, approximately 44% (n=27) of the participants were found ‘at risk’ for MtS. Starting with freshmen, those found ‘at risk’, will be offered nutrition and life style related counseling. These partnerships with local and national resources will work as a ‘model’ for many other institutions of higher education, especially HBCUs.