Factors associated with metabolic syndrome in adults attending a nutrition outpatient clinic

Aims: To investigate factors associated with metabolic syndrome in adult patients seen in an outpatient nutrition clinic. Methods: A cross-sectional study included patients with 18-59 years of age, of both sexes, referred for care at the Outpatient Nutrition Department of the Health Secretary of the City of Portao, Rio Grande do Sul state. Sociodemographic and behavioral data were collected through structured, standardized, pre-coded questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements were performed to assess nutritional status and abdominal obesity. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of "Harmonizing the Metabolic Syndrome". Results: A total of 156 patients were studied, 119 (84.3%) women and 37 (17.7%) men. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 54.7% and the component most often altered was waist circumference (88.6%). The presence of metabolic syndrome was directly associated with age, with a prevalence of 75% among individuals aged 52 years or more; inversely associated to schooling, with a prevalence of 64.5% in those with less than or equal to four years of education; associated with smoking, with a higher prevalence among former smokers (69.8%); and with nutritional status, evidencing a higher percentage (75%) among individuals with higher body mass index. Conclusions: The study revealed a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in adults requiring nutrition assistance. The presence of metabolic syndrome was associated with higher age, lower education, smoking, and higher body mass index.