High prevalence of obesity, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome in a rural area in Pakistan

Aims: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, adiposity and dyslipidemia amongst subjects in a rural area of Pakistan. Methods: One thousand six hundred and fifty-eight rural individuals aged 20 years and above were randomly included in the study. Lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), BMI, WHR, and body fat percentage (BF%) were recorded. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was calculated. Results: High prevalence of obesity, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome were recorded. They were all more common in women than men. Conclusions: Obesity, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome are common. Preventive measures should be applied to reduce the prevalence of these potential cardiovascular risk factors. (C) 2007 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.