Prevalence and risk determinants of metabolic syndrome in obese worksite workers in hill city of Himachal Pradesh, India

Objective: We report prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS) in the obese workforce of organized sector in hill city of Himachal Pradesh (HP), India. Methods: The cross-sectional survey study of employees of organized sectors in Shimla city of HP, India, was conducted to collect data of demographics, health behavior, psychosocial factors, anthropometry, blood pressure, and blood chemistry to measure blood glucose and lipid profile in fasting state in 3004 employees using validated tools. Out of 3004 subjects screened, data of 418 subjects with body mass index of ≥30 are analyzed to estimate the prevalence of MS and its risk determinants. The association of demographics, health behavior, and psychosocial factors as the risk determinants were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression modeling. Results: MS was prevalent in 57.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 52.8%–62.3%]. The central obesity (odds ratio: 10.6, 95% CI: 2.32–48.4) and consumption of frequent or daily alcohol (odds ratio: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.05–3.59),and extra salt (odds ratio: 3.34, 95% CI: 1.09–10.2) were independent risk factors for MS. The consumption of tobacco, vegetables, sugar-sweetened drinks, physical inactivity, and psychosocial factors had no significant association with MS in obese population. Conclusions: MS is highly prevalent among obese employees of organized sector. The consumption of alcohol and extra salt were major behavioral risk factors for MS and therefore have important implications in behavioral modifications for prevention of MS among obese employees in organized sectors. Keywords: Obesity, Metabolic syndrome, Risk factors, Psychosocial factor