V.1. The differences in the metabolic syndrome between men and women

A 2004 study indicated that the incidence of the MetS was higher among European and American males, but a 2009 study suggested that this phenomenon had disappeared. In some populations, the MetS is more frequent among women (in India, Turkey and Iran).

A 2004 circulatory risk factor study in France found that an increased body weight and waist circumference and a decreased HDL level were more frequent among women, but a changed BP was more frequent among men. The changed insulin, TG and blood Glu levels showed the same proportions in men and women.

A Chinese study revealed that a high BP was more frequent in women, while a Finnish study found higher tolerance to blood Glu in men. An American study (2009) concluded that the BP, blood Glu and TG levels in elderly men, and central obesity and a decrease in HDL level in younger men were higher in comparison with those in women.  Babies with low birth weight are at higher risk of the development of the MetS in both sexes.