Determinants of Changes in Metabolic Syndrome Components in a 12-Year Cohort of Iranian Adults.

Background: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components have been increasing globally; therefore, there is a need for better understanding of MetS components and their risk factors, as well as their development and changes over time. This study was designed to identify the determinants of the changes in the components of MetS in a cohort of Iranian adults from 2001 to 2013.

Methods: A total of 6504 adults, ≥35 years of age, were recruited from central Iran in 2001and were followed up in an ongoing longitudinal population-based study for 12 years. Of the total, 3356 subjects were followed between 2001 and 2007 and 1385 subjects were followed between 2001 and 2013. MetS components and its risk factors were measured by standard methods in 2001, 2007, and 2013. Mean changes in the MetS components from 2001 to 2013 were assessed using the Generalized Estimating Equations test with three time points. Multivariate linear regression model was applied to examine the association between socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics and changes in MetS components. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to examine various factors associated with the development of abnormality of MetS components.

Results: Examining the biochemical and anthropometric characteristics of individuals from 2001 to 2013 revealed a significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, waist circumference, and body mass index, and a significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglyceride, and physical activity levels. Results also indicated that age, gender, marital status, education levels, and area of residence were significantly associated with the changes in MetS components.

Conclusion: This study concluded that baseline sociodemographic characteristics are important in determining changes of MetS components.