Metabolic syndrome among obese adults in Baghdad, Iraq

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of interconnected factors that directly increase the risk of coronary heart disease, other forms of cardiovascular atherosclerotic diseases, and diabetes mellitus type 2. Obesity and physical inactivity are the driving forces. Objective: To explore the magnitude of metabolic syndrome (and some associated factors) in a sample of obese adults attending the main Nutrition Clinic in Baghdad, Iraq. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study that included 440 obese attended the Nutrition Clinic at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital was conducted during a period of six months (March to September 2016). All the patients were interviewed on voluntary base. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured to diagnose obesity. Blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and lipid profile were also measured. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among obese was 40.6% more in females (42.8%) than males (36.5%). The main associated factor was central obesity, followed by diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The old individuals and women who had 9 to 12 children showed the highest frequencies (55 and 61.5%), respectively. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome among Iraqi obese is relatively common. Female gender, old age, and multiparity can be regarded as risk factors.