Prevalence and characteristics of the metabolic syndrome among adults in Beijing, China

This study was performed to investigate the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome using a large representative sample in Beijing. Data from a total of 16442 adults (6489 men and 9953 women) aged > or =18 years from a survey of behavioral risk factors for chronic diseases in Beijing, in 2005, was analyzed. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome increased with age and the age-standardized prevalence of the metabolic syndrome defined by International Diabetes Federation IDF and National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III ATPIII criteria were 23.2% (24.5% in men and 22.7% in women) and 16.2% (16.1% in men and 16.6% in women), respectively. The metabolic syndrome was higher in semi-urban areas and associated with higher rates of hypertension, central obesity, salt intake and smoking.