Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Nepal: A systematic review of all published studies

Raju  Rana; Shobha U Kamath; B Ananthakrishna  Shastri; Shashikiran Umakanth; G Arun Maiya; Ullas  Kamath; Raghavendra  Rao S; Purnima Adhikari

doi:10.23750/abm.v96i4.16751

Authors

Raju Rana Department of Biochemistry, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
Shobha U Kamath Department of Biochemistry, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
B Ananthakrishna Shastri Department of Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
Shashikiran Umakanth Department of Medicine, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
G Arun Maiya Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
Ullas Kamath Department of Biochemistry, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
Raghavendra Rao S Department of Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
Purnima Adhikari Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India

Keywords:

metabolic syndrome, Nepal, Prevalence, systematic review, type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background and aim: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) encompasses a cluster of medical conditions that significantly increase the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and stroke. The global prevalence of MetS is rising, with a notable increase across South Asian countries. Multiple studies from diverse regions of Nepal, examining both general and clinical populations, have documented high MetS prevalence rates. This systematic review aims to determine the comprehensive prevalence of MetS in Nepal.

Methods: We conducted systematic searches across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE databases. Our review included all studies reporting MetS prevalence in Nepal among individuals aged 15 years and older, regardless of the study setting. We calculated the weighted mean prevalence and assessed study quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool for prevalence studies.

Results: In the general population (n=6,065; males:34%, females:66%), the weighted mean prevalence of MetS ranged from 17.11% to 18.41%, varying by diagnostic criteria. MetS prevalence was higher among females (females:17.73-20.78%: males: 14.93-16.64%), older adults, and individuals with lower educational attainment. Among populations with existing medical conditions, MetS prevalence was highest in patients with T2DM (90.36%, n=1710; males:54%, females:46%) and lowest in those with Psoriasis (20.83%, n=72).

Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the substantial prevalence of MetS; interpretation must consider the variability in diagnostic criteria across studies and the predominant focus on major urban centres. Authorities should focus on interventions addressing modifiable risk factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical inactivity to reduce the overall disease burden.

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