Overweight Adolescents: A Group at Risk for Metabolic Syndrome (Tehran Adolescent Obesity Study)

Background: Metabolic syndrome not only is a serious problem for adults, but is also afflicting an increasing number of children and adolescents. This syndrome is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in a sample of Iranian adolescents. Methods: A total of 554 overweight adolescents (aged 11 – 17 years) participated in a community-based cross sectional survey. Anthropometric examinations including height, weight, body mass index, and blood pressure were assessed. A fasting blood sample was taken for measurement of glucose and lipid profile. Metabolic syndrome was determined by the definition released by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III, which was modified for age. Results: The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 26.6%. There was no gender difference in the distribution of metabolic syndrome. When stratified by body mass index, 22.5% were overweight (BMI≥95th percentile) besides having the criteria for metabolic syndrome, while the remaining 4.1% of the adolescents were at risk for overweight (BMI between 85th and 95th percentile) together with metabolic syndrome. Hypertriglyceridemia was the most common and high-density lipoprotein was the least common constituent of metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: This study suggests a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome among overweight Iranian adolescents. This poses a serious threat to the current and future health of Iranian youth.