Geographic distribution of metabolic syndrome and its components in the general adult population: A meta-analysis of global data from 28 million individuals

Aims

Better knowledge of the global metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence and its components is a prerequisite to curb the related burden.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge, Africa Journal Online, Global Index Medicus up to May 23, 2021. Prevalence pooling was done with a random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

In total, 1,129 prevalence data (28,193,768 participants) were included. The MetS global prevalence varied from 12.5% (95 %CI: 10.2–15.0) to 31.4% (29.8–33.0) according to the definition considered. The prevalence was significantly higher in Eastern Mediterranean Region and Americas and increased with country’s level of income. The global prevalence was 45.1% (95 %CI: 42.1–48.2) for ethnic-specific central obesity, 42.6% (40.3–44.9) for systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 130 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 85 mmHg, 40.2% (37.8–42.5) for HDL-cholesterol < 1.03 for men or < 1.29 mmol/L for women, 28.9% (27.4–30.5) for serum triglycerides ≥ 1.7 mmol/L, and 24.5% (22.5–26.6) for fasting plasma glucose ≥ 5.6 mmol/L.

Conclusions

This study reveals that MetS and its related cardiometabolic components are highly prevalent worldwide. This study calls for more aggressive and contextualized public health interventions to tackle these conditions.