International Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 33, Number 2, pp. 328-336
IJE vol.33 no.2 © International Epidemiological Association 2004; all rights reserved.
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The metabolic syndrome and associated lifestyle factors among South Korean adults
1 Department of Family Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
2 Department of Family Medicine, Inje University, Koyang, Kyenggido, Korea
3 Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
4 Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
5 Department of Internal Medicine, Kyunghee University, Seoul, Korea
Correspondence: Hye Soon Park, Department of Family Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 388–1 Poongnap-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea (South), 138–736. E-mail: hyesoon{at}amc.seoul.kr
Introduction The importance of managing the metabolic syndrome has been emphasized in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Although South Koreans have a low prevalence of obesity, little information is available about the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its associated risk factors.
Methods Data was obtained from individuals aged 20–79 years from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1998, a cross-sectional health survey of a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized civilian South Koreans. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, as defined by the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP III), was determined, and lifestyle factors associated with predisposition to the metabolic syndrome were analysed.
Results Among South Korean adults, the age-adjusted prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 14.2% for men and 17.7% for women, whereas the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity (body mass index (BMI) 
30 kg/m2) was 1.7% and 3.0% for men and women, respectively. Age, unemployment, higher BMI, and current smoking were associated factors for the metabolic syndrome regardless of gender. Moderate exercise (2–3 sessions/week) in men and light alcohol drinking (<15 g/day) in women decreased the odds of the metabolic syndrome.
Conclusions Metabolic syndrome is present in more than 15% of South Koreans despite a low prevalence of obesity. Higher BMI and current smoking were identified as independent modifiable risk factors of the metabolic syndrome. Weight control and smoking cessation may therefore decrease the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in South Korean adults.
Keywords Metabolic syndrome, risk factor, BMI, smoking, South Korea
Accepted 23 September 2003
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