A High Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome Traits in Mexicans Points at Obesity-Related Metabolic Dysfunction

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is a construct relating to a series of metabolic dysfunctions attributable to insulin resistance and obesity. Here, we estimate the incidence of MS according to their individual components using a Mexican open-population cohort. METHODS: We evaluated data of 6144 Mexicans amongst whom 3340 did not have MS either by IDF or ATP-III definitions using data from an open-population cohort. We estimated the incidence of MS and each of its traits after a median follow-up of 2.24 (IQR 2.05–2.58) years and evaluated risk factors for MS incidence and each of its traits. We also explored individuals without any MS trait to evaluate trait and MS incidence after follow-up. RESULTS: We observed a high incidence of MS-IDF (115.11 cases per 1000 person-years, 95% CI 107.76–122.47), followed by MS-ATP-III (75.77 cases per 1000 person-years, 95% CI). The MS traits with the highest incidence were low HDL-C and abdominal obesity, which was consistent for subjects without MS and those without any MS trait. When assessing predictors of MS incidence, obesity, insulin resistance, and increased apolipoprotein B levels predicted MS incidence. Weight loss >5% of body weight and physical activity were the main protective factors. Obesity was a main determinant for incident MS traits in our population, with weight loss being also a protective factor for most MS traits. CONCLUSION: We observed a high incidence of MS in apparently healthy Mexican adults. Low HDL-C and abdominal obesity were the most frequent incident MS traits, with obesity being the main determinant of its incidence.