A Prospective Cohort Study on Predictive Risk Factors Causing Metabolic Syndrome within the First Two Years

Background: This study investigates the predictive risk factors which cause metabolic syndrome and raise morbidity within the first two years by analyzing the Korea Health Examinee Cohort (KOEX) data. The study provides the basis for emphasis on the need of lifestyle modification and regular health examinations. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted by analyzing data from the Health survey and examination section of Korea Health Examinee Cohort (KOEX) data. Total of 1,893 subjects were involved in basic assessments and follow up surveys conducted from years 2005 to 2010. Object of the study was to detect the predictive risk factors of metabolic syndrome within two years, by placing morbidity as the dependent variable. The severity of risk factors was compared by classifying age into decades and body mass index (BMI) into groups of either underweight, normal weight, or obese. Results: The predictive risk factors of metabolic syndrome were revealed as age and BMI. The risk of metabolic syndrome increased by 1.05 fold and by 1.36 fold in correlation with increase in age and BMI, respectively. Conclusion: Age and BMI were shown to be the main predictive risk factors of metabolic syndrome within the first two years according to this study. Well systematized weight control programs seem inevitable for preventing metabolic disorder.