Metabolic syndrome in the Middle East

• Main Authors: Hamdy Ahmed Sliem, Seham Ahmed, Nader Nemr, Iman El-Sherif
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2012-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Subjects: Metabolic syndrome; Middle East; obesity
• Online Access: http://www.ijem.in/article.asp?issn=2230-8210;year=2012;volume=16;issue=1;spage=67;epage=71;aulast=Sliem

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a combination of medical disorders that, in concert, increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It affects about one in four people in the Middle East, and prevalence increases with age. The aim of current review is to discuss the prevalence of MS and its component in different regions in the Middle East. The recorded high prevalence of the MS and its key cardiovascular risk factors (15-60%) among Middle East population mandates the need for a national and international prevention programs to combat obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking and related comorbidities. Consideration of early prevention and control is of utmost importance.