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Objective:To investigate the relationship between the metabolic syndrome and its related factors among non-diabetic pre- and post-menopausal women in North Taiwan.Design:A cross-sectional study in a medical center in North Taiwan.Subjects:Five hundred and ninety-four, non-diabetic middle-aged women (age range=40–64 years, mean=48.9±5.4 years) were recruited.Measurements:The fasting plasma glucose, insulin, lipids levels and anthropometric indices were measured. The homeostasis model assessment was applied to estimate the degree of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Metabolic syndrome was defined by using the National Cholesterol Education Panel (NCEP) criteria and modified NCEP criteria (waist circumference >80 cm).Results:The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 6.2% using NCEP criteria, and 8.9% using modified NCEP criteria. Post-menopausal women had a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its individual components compared to pre-menopausal women except hyperglycemia and low HDL-C. In multiple logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age and menopausal status, both BMI and HOMA-IR were independently associated with the metabolic syndrome.Conclusion:The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in post-menopausal than pre-menopausal women. Both obesity and insulin resistance may play an important role in the development of metabolic syndrome among the middle-aged women in North Taiwan.International Journal of Obesity (2006) 30, 912–917. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803240; published online 24 January 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is related to increased morbidity and mortality, and prevails worldwide. It has become an important health issue and requires urgent attention. In Taiwan, overweight and obesity are defined as body mass index ≥24 and 27 kg m−2, respectively. These cut-offs differ from Caucasian standards, as Asians have higher comorbidities and fat mass at lower BMI levels than Caucasians. The prevalence of obesity and overweight in Taiwan are 19.2% and 30.5% in men, 13.4% and 21.3% in women. This implies that a more profound increase in obesity prevalence is found in men than in women. A high-fat diet, sedentary lifestyle and betel nut chewing may increase substantially this obesity epidemic. Recently, type 2 diabetes mellitus has been found to be the most common type of diabetes, and obesity is significantly related to type 2 diabetes in children. In addition, obesity is associated with cardiovascular diseases risk factors and cannot be neglected in elderly. Therefore, a comprehensive prevention and management programme of obesity is urgently warranted for controlling the growing obesity trend and its related diseases in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]