Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in southwest Germany.

The metabolic syndrome is a highly prevalent multifaceted clinical entity. Obesity, which is part of the metabolic syndrome, is the fastest growing health-related problem worldwide. Since currently prevalence data of the metabolic syndrome are lacking from Germany, we have applied ATP III-criteria in two urban and rural cohorts. Our population-based studies provide evidence that the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome increases with age. It was found to be more prevalent in a rural population and in this group it clustered in males. As a consequence of our population-based studies evidence that especially the rural population is at high risk for future macrovascular complications is substantiated. The urgent need for preventive measures aimed at reducing the significantly increased health risk is underscored.