Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in elementary school children

Aim: To determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome ( MS) and its related components in elementary-aged school children. Methods: Three hundred and seventy-five 7-9-y-old boys (n = 182) and girls ( n = 193) in the eastern Kansas area served as participants. Criteria for the MS were the presence of three or more of the following components: 1) central obesity (waist circumference >= 90th percentile in males and females); 2) elevated triglyceride concentrations (>= 1.13 mmol/l); 3) low HDL-C concentrations (<= 1.04 mmol/l in males and females); 4) elevated blood pressure (systolic and/or diastolic >= 90th percentile, age and gender specific); or 5) elevated fasting glucose levels (>= 6.10 mmol/l). Results: The prevalence of the MS in this sample was 5%, and was similar across gender and race. Fifty percent of the children had no components and 15% had at least two components, with elevated blood pressure the most common component (37%). Conclusion: The MS is prevalent even in young children at rates similarly reported in adolescents.