Frequency of Metabolic Syndrome in Underweight Saudi Adults

Background and Objective: The global prevalence of underweight decreased from 14.6% to 9.7%. There is little information on the frequency of underweight with metabolic syndrome among Saudi adults. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the frequency of metabolic syndrome ( MetS) in underweight Saudi Adults. Methods: Out of 5498 participants, we analyzed 184 underweight participants who are equal to or older than 18 years old. All cases were from the population of the primary health at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital. Results: Out of 5498 participants analyzed, 184 (2.7%) were underweight. MetsS was present in 13 (7.1%) of underweight cases. There were 50 (27.2%) male and 134 (72.8%) were female. Mean age was 29.7 ± 14.4 ( minimum 18 years and maximum 94 years ). Mean body mass index (kg/m2) (BMI) 16.7-1.3, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and hypertension (HTN) were found in 18 (9.8%) and 9 (4.9%) respectively. Female patients were not significantly higher frequency of MetS compared to males, 10 (76.9)% vs. 3 (23.1%), respectively, p=0.7. Cases with MetS were significantly older, 55.6 ± 19.4 vs. 29.7 ± 14.4 respectively, p<0.0001. BMI was not significantly higher in MetS cases, 16.8-1.4 vs. 16.7-1.3 respectively, p=0.9. Patients with MetS were significantly have higher prevalences T2DM, HTN, low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) and high triglyceride. Patients with HbA1c>5.6 or T2DM [OR=4.3; 95% confidence interval (CI), p=0.06, 28.7, (p<0.0001)], elevated plasma TG levels [OR=6.7; 95% CI=3.0, 15.0, p<0.0001], or low levels of HDL [OR=3.1; 95% CI=1.3, 7.4, p<0.0001] were more likely to present. The frequency of MetS was significantly higher in age ≥30 years compared to younger ages, 84.6% vs. 7.7% for the other two age groups respectively, p<0.0001. The mean BMI was not significantly higher in age group 25-29 years, p=0.8. There were upward trend of MetS across each BMI unit with male predominant in BMI 17.0=18.4 kg/m2. Conclusion: It can be concluded from our study, the frequency of MetS in underweight Saudi adults is relatively low. Underweight with Mets might be associated with high risk for T2DM and HTN among older adults.