Prevalence Of Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors In College Age Students

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome risk factors in college age students. Seventy-six females and sixty-five males from a moderately-sized, midwestern university participated in the study with the subjects having a mean age of 21.09 ±2.25 yrs. and 21.25 ±1.44 yrs., a body mass index (BMI) of 24.47 ±5.39 kg/m2 and 25.69 ±4.04 kg/m2, and a body fat percentage of 28.67 ±8.58% and 18.24 ±9.24%, respectively. All testing was completed during a single session with the subjects reporting to the laboratory having fasted and restricted fluid, excluding water, intake 12-hours prior to testing. Height and weight were obtained with BMI subsequently calculated. Physical fitness assessments and blood lipid levels were obtained. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results of the study. The most prevalent risk factors were the low HDL values in 16.5% of the sample population. Elevated triglyceride values were evident in 11.5% of subjects and increased waist circumference in 8.3% of the sample population. Elevated blood pressure was evident in 5.0% of the sample population. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure responses were increased in 2.5% and 4.0% respectively, of the subjects. Elevated blood glucose was prevalent in 9.8% of the subjects. Risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome are clearly increased, which puts young adults at risk for the development of metabolic syndrome