Abstract
The metabolic syndrome (MetS), a constellation of cardiovascular risk factors, is a growing health challenge worldwide. Most studies on MetS epidemiology are from developed countries. The Middle East is lagging behind in understanding the epidemiology of MetS and its risk factors in the region. This is partly owing to a scarcity of high-quality, nationally representative studies. In a series of recent national surveys, we have studied the epidemiology of MetS and its risk factors in Iran. We review the current situation in the region and highlight current gaps of knowledge and epidemiological concepts that need to be taken into account when doing population-level health programming. We explore the results of our national surveys as successful examples along this path.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.