Background

Recent trends in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components among U.S. adults are not known.

Methods

We performed an updated analysis using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2014 data to investigate the latest trends of prevalence of MetS and its components. MetS was defined based on the modified National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Multiple regression models were used to assess linear trends over the years, after adjusting for sex, age, and race/ethnicity, as appropriate. Sampling weights were considered to account for complex sampling design, and all estimates were adjusted by age by a direct method.

Results

During 2007-2014, the age-adjusted weighted prevalence (±standard error) of MetS among U.S. adults was 34.3 ± 0.8%. In age-stratified analysis, 54.9 ± 1.7% of elderly population aged 60 and over had MetS. When evaluating trends from 2007 to 2014, the prevalence of MetS remained stable in all sex, age, and race/ethnicity groups (P-trends > 0.100 for all). Among the components of MetS, the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and fasting hyperglycemia decreased (P-trend <0.050). However, the prevalence of abdominal obesity significantly increased, especially in women (P-trend = 0.009). The prevalence of elevated blood pressure and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level remained stable.

Conclusions

The prevalence of MetS remained stable during 2007-2014. However, it was still prevalent in the U.S., especially among the elderly population. The prevalence of abdominal obesity continued to increase in women for which more efforts should be made.