BACKGROUND: The increase in the prevalence of excess weight among people of increasingly younger age groups may lead to the early development of cardiovascular risks. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among young adults and the impact of birth conditions and nutritional status during adolescence on this disorder. METHODS: One hundred individuals were evaluated at three different stages of life. By consulting the database of people enlisted in the army reserve military service, data were collected on weight, height, and waist circumference of all draftees of 1996, 1997, and 1999 in order to analyze their nutritional status during adolescence. Using the same database, information was sought at the maternity on their birth conditions and the adult individuals were identified. Anthropometric and biochemical data were obtained from these adults. The Metabolic Syndrome (MS) was classified according to ATP III NCEP. Body fat percentage was assessed with bioelectrical impedance and the statistical analysis was performed using the Sigma Stat 2.0 software. RESULTS: Prevalence of the MS was detected in 13% of the individuals. The birth conditions showed no relationship with the syndrome. In adolescence, those individuals diagnosed with MS had greater values for weight (11 kg; p =<0.001), WC (8 cm; p < 0.001), and BMI (2.5 kg/m²; p= 0.002). CONCLUSION: A significant part of the risk factors for cardiovascular conditions starts during childhood and adolescence, and is likely to persist throughout life; therefore, primary prevention measures are critical in the context of cardiovascular disease.
Nutritional status; metabolic syndrome; adults
