Ethnic and Regional Variability in Cardiometabolic Risk Among Urban South Asians: A Systematic Review
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Background
Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), including diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome, are rising sharply in South Asia’s urban populations. However, the influence of ethnic and regional variation within these urban settings remains poorly understood.
Objective
To systematically review the literature on ethnic and regional disparities in cardiometabolic risk among urban South Asian adults, with emphasis on subnational variability in India, particularly Odisha and Kalahandi district.
Methods
This review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and grey literature (WHO, ICMR) for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Inclusion criteria focused on urban South Asian adults (≥18 years) with data stratified by ethnicity or region. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and AMSTAR-2. A narrative synthesis was conducted.
Results
Thirteen studies were included. CMD prevalence varied by country, state, and district. Northern and western India showed higher CMD rates than eastern regions. In Odisha, metabolic syndrome prevalence ranged from 24% to 33.5%, with a pronounced gender gap in central obesity and pre-metabolic syndrome. Findings from Kalahandi district revealed a substantial burden of early-stage CMD risk, especially among young urban adults.
Conclusion
Cardiometabolic risk among urban South Asians is shaped by complex regional and ethnic factors. Public health strategies must move beyond generalized models to adopt localized, culturally tailored interventions that address the specific needs of diverse urban populations.
