Trends and Implications of Metabolic Syndrome in Korea, 2007-2022: A Nationwide Study

Background This study analyzed the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Korean adults aged 19 and older over the past 15 years. Methods A cross-sectional study of data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2007 to 2022 was conducted. The study included 87,397 subjects. MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program-Third Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP) III and the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity (KOSSO) criteria. Results MetS prevalence increased from 22.8% in 2007 to 28.6% in 2022 but showed sex differences, with males increasing (24.5–36.8%) and females decreasing (20.6–19.5%). Among the components of MetS, hyperglycemia and abdominal obesity showed the most significant increases (1.51-fold and 1.29-fold, respectively). While hyperglycemia increased in all age groups, abdominal obesity increased most in males aged 30–39 (1.98-fold) and 19–29 (1.81-fold). Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was the only component that decreased (0.62-fold) and was more prevalent among females. In the sub-analysis of those aged 65 and older, MetS increased in both males and females but was more prevalent in females. Individuals with MetS had higher rates of current smoking, heavy drinking, physical inactivity, and carbohydrate consumption. Conclusions The prevalence of MetS is gradually increasing in Korea, and hyperglycemia and abdominal obesity are rapidly increasing, especially in younger males. Although the prevalence of MetS in females is decreasing due to changes in the social environment, continuous efforts are needed for postmenopausal females. Targeted health policies and interventions should be established.