Comparing the Metabolic Syndrome Frequency and Components among Inactive College Students Using Standard and Asian Definitions of Body Mass Index

Objective: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of some risk factors including obesity which can be assessed by body mass index (BMI). The purpose of the present study was to determine the accuracy of Standard BMI Cut-off points (SBC) and Asian BMI Cutoff points (ABC), to categorize the young people with MetS. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 198 inactive college students (66 female (33.33%) and 132 male (66.66%)) participated. The prevalence of MetS was diagnosed according to the modified NCEP-ATPIII guidelines10, with exception of ≥2 risk factors. All required data were collected through blood sampling, blood pressure and anthropometric measurements. Results: The prevalence rate of MetS and its components within the normal category of MetS was divided into two categories of normal and overweight according ABC with no significant differences between those categories. The high frequency of MetS and its components were observed in both genders even among underweight students. Among MetS risk factors, low level of HDL-C (female; 45.45%, male; 43.18%) which included underweight students was most prevalent. The lowest incidence belonged to the impaired fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Conclusion: The ABC more accurately categorize the inactive students. Despite the high frequency of MetS among the young inactive students, the low incidence of elevated FPG indicates that some MetS definitions may not precisely diagnose the susceptible students. Therefore, redefining the MetS criteria for more precise identification the young people at risk seems to be essential.