Predictors of the development of metabolic syndrome in male workers: a 3-year follow-up study.

Abstract

Risk assessment for the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an important strategy for prevention. A 3-year follow-up study was conducted for 1677 Japanese workers not fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for MetS. Age and the five components of MetS, serum uric acid, serum insulin, lifestyle factors, and occupational position were used for the analysis. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for MetS development among the subjects who initially had one or two MetS components were 3.1 (1.8 to 5.3) and 7.8 (4.5 to 13.5), respectively. When the MetS components were used as independent variables, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of each component were significant for MetS development. Occupational position did not present significance. Presence of each component of MetS as well as the number of MetS components are powerful predictors of the development of MetS after 3 years.