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Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of diseases, including hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia. We therefore aimed to estimate MetS prevalence and to determine risk factors for MetS. Methods: In the present study, we recruited 209 adult Tunisian MetS patients (57 males and 152 females, mean age 58.9±10.7 years) matched by gender and ethnic origin to 193 healthy individuals (31males and 162 females, mean age 50.3±10.6 years). All subjects underwent anthropometric and biochemical examinations. Results: Interestingly, the prevalence of MetS was 21.89% in males and 78.1% in females. Notable increase in the dyslipidemia (64.1%), hypertension (77%), and obesity (83.73%) in patients with MetS were seen. In addition, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, abnormal lipid profiles, increased free fatty acids, and lower serum adiponectin concentrations were all associated with MetS. Conclusion: We suggest that the MetS is highly prevalent among patients group than healthy subjects. Modification of lifestyle factors, even later in life, has considerable potential for primary prevention of the MetS.