OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents of different nutritional status. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 582 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years. Body mass index (BMI) classification of nutritional status was performed using the NCHS growth charts. MetS diagnosis was determined by the presence of three or more risk factors. RESULTS: Overall MetS prevalence was 6.7% (CI: 4.9%-9%); in boys, prevalence was 9.4%; and in girls, 4.1%. MetS prevalence was 17.2% (CI: 10%-28.2%) and 37.1% (CI: 23.2%-53.7%) in overweight and obese adolescents, respectively. All obese adolescents had at least one risk factor present, and demonstrated high MetS prevalence ratio compared with adolescents of normal weight (PR: 11.1; CI: 5.75-21.47). CONCLUSION: High prevalence of MetS was observed in obese adolescents. Prevention strategies should focus on body weight control since the beginning of adolescence.
Metabolic syndrome; adolescents; obesity
