Metabolic Syndrome in Elderly Predicted by Three Easy Indicators

A surprisingly high rate of metabolic syndrome among individuals aged 60-100 years was found in a new study published in Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorder. The findings of the study report three easy-to-measure anthropometric indicators that were predictive of metabolic syndrome in both men and women. These indicators would be useful for indicating the need for preventive care and further testing of the senior adults.

The article, which evaluated nearly 500 elderly individuals, is entitled "Performance of Anthropometric Indicators in the Prediction of Metabolic Syndrome in the Elderly" and was coauthored by Carla Helena Augustin Schwanke, MD, PhD and colleagues from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. About 60% of the study participants had metabolic syndrome. The researchers assessed the predictive value of five anthropometric measures in men and women, which included waist diameter (from front to back), waist diameter/height, neck circumference, and indices comprised of a combination of weight, height, and waist circumference. All of these measures are easy to obtain in a primary care physicians office.