Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Nakhon Sawan Population
Panithan Santibhavank MD*
Affiliation : * Nakhon Sawan Provincial Health Office, Nakhon Sawan
Objective : Determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome for comparison.
Materials and Methods : A cross-sectional survey of Nakhon Sawan population aged 15 years and over was
conducted in March 2002. There were 636 persons included in the present study, age range from 15 to 87
years, and mean age of 41.4 + 16.7 years.
Results : The prevalence of metabolic syndrome using World Health Organization (WHO), The National Cho-
lesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood
Cholesterol In Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III, ATP III), and International Diabetes Federation (IDF)
definition was 6.2, 20.0, and 18.7%, respectively. This prevalence was high compared with the previous study
in Thailand and the estimated global metabolic syndrome for adults above 20 years of age. Women and elders
had a higher prevalence than men and youngsters. The authors should search for Thai cut-off values of
abdominal obesity in children and adults to have the correct data for public health plan and management.
This is because there are variations among the different ethnic background and countries, even within Asia.
Conclusion : The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was high. The interventions in prevention and manage-
ment of the metabolic syndrome should be started for overweight children.
Keywords : Metabolic syndrome, Central obesity, Prevalence, Population, Thailand
