An anthropometry-based equation of fat mass percentage as a valid discriminator of obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new predictive equation for fat mass percentage (%FM) based on anthropometric measurements and to assess its ability to discriminate between obese and non-obese individuals. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Mexican adults.ParticipantsAdults (n 275; 181 women) aged 20-63 years with BMI between 17·4 and 42·4 kg/m2. RESULTS: Thirty-seven per cent of our sample was obese using %FM measured by air-displacement plethysmography (BOD POD®; Life Measurement Instruments). The fat mass was computed from the difference between weight and fat-free mass (FFM). FFM was estimated using an equation obtained previously in the study from weight, height and sex of the individuals. The %FM estimated from the obtained FFM showed a sensitivity of 90·3 (95 % CI 86·8, 93·8) % and a specificity of 58·0 (95 % CI 52·1, 63·8) % in the diagnosis of obesity. Ninety-three per cent of participants with obesity and 65 % of participants without obesity were correctly classified. CONCLUSIONS: The anthropometry-based equation obtained in the present study could be used as a screening tool in clinical and epidemiological studies not only to estimate the %FM, but also to discriminate the obese condition in populations with similar characteristics to the participant sample.

Heme Iron Concentrate and Iron Sulfate Added to Chocolate Biscuits: Effects on Hematological Indices of Mexican Schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVE: Food fortification is one of the most effective strategies for increasing iron intake in the population. A simple blind trial was conducted to compare the effect of 2 forms of iron fortification and assess the changes in hemoglobin and iron status indices among preschool children from rural communities. METHODS: Hemoglobin was evaluated in 47 children aged 3-6 years old. For 72 days (10-week period), children ate Nito biscuits. Thirteen pupils with elevated hemoglobin levels were assigned to the biscuit control group, and pupils with hemoglobin equal to 13.5 mg/dL or less were randomly allocated to consume fortified biscuits with a heme iron concentrate (n = 15) or iron sulfate (n = 19). Changes in hemoglobin, plasma ferritin, and other hematological indices were evaluated with analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measurements. RESULTS: Except mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations (+1.27 ± 2.25 g/dL), hematological indices increased significantly across the study: Mean corpuscular volume (+2.2 ± 1.0 f/dL), red blood cells (+0.30 ± 0.37 M/µL), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (+1.8 ± 1.74 pg), hemoglobin (+1.68 ± 0.91 g/dL), hematocrit (+3.43% ± 3.03%), and plasma ferritin (+18.38 ± 22.1 µg/L) were all p < 0.05. After 10 weeks, the adjusted effect of the iron-fortified chocolate biscuits in the hemoglobin levels was higher than the control group (+1.1 ± 0.2 g/dL) but no difference was found between consumers of fortified biscuits with heme iron concentrate or iron sulfate (+1.9 ± 0.2 g/dL and +2.0 ± 0.2 g/dL, respectively). CONCLUSION: Heme iron concentrate and iron sulfate were equally effective in increasing Hb levels and hematological indices. Processed foods were shown to be an effective, valuable, and admissible intervention to prevent anemia in preschool children.

[Prevalence of risk eating behaviors and metabolic syndrome in teenage school students of Morelos state]. / Prevalencia de conductas alimentarias de riesgo y síndrome metabólico en escolares adolescentes del estado de Morelos.

INTRODUCTION: metabolic syndrome (MS) is a health problem associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of MS in adolescents from Morelos is unknown. Certain risk eating behaviors (REB) may be associated with this phenotype. OBJECTIVE: to determine the prevalence of MS in adolescents and its association with REB. METHODS: cross-sectional study in junior high schools and high schools from Morelos. Anthropometric, clinical data, perception of body image and REB were investigated. MS was diagnosed with international criteria for adolescents and their association with REB was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) and 95% confidence intervals (CI95). RESULTS: a total of 869 adolescents aged 14.6 ± 1.6 years were studied. They reported 2.6 ± 1.8 REB; the overall score was 5.9 ± 0.33. The 16.6% presented moderate or high REB risk. The prevalence of MS (6.7%) was associated with the REB score (OR 1.2 [1.1-1.3]), a value that remained after adjusting for age, sex, breakfast omission, residence region, perception of body image and background family of obesity, diabetes, hypertension or infarction (ODHI), ORadj 1.2 (1.1-1.3), pseudo R2 = 0.14, Chi-squared 16.7, p < 0.03. CONCLUSION: MS was more frequent in men, who were perceived to be thinner and with two or more family history of ODHI. It is suggested to influence the self-perception of overweight or obesity, to educate about compulsive behaviors, undergo diets, fasting and exercise to prevent MS.

Introducción: el síndrome metabólico (SM) es un problema de salud asociado a diabetes y enfermedades cardiovasculares. Se desconoce la prevalencia de SM en adolescentes del estado de Morelos. Ciertas conductas alimentarias de riesgo (CAR) podrían estar asociadas a ese fenotipo.Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de SM en adolescentes y su asociación con las CAR.Métodos: estudio transversal en escuelas secundarias y preparatorias de Morelos. Se investigaron datos antropométricos, clínicos, percepción de la imagen corporal y de las CAR. El SM se diagnosticó con criterios internacionales para adolescentes y se analizó su asociación con las CAR. Mediante análisis de regresión logística se estimaron razones de momios (RM) e intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC95).Resultados: fueron estudiados 869 adolescentes de 14,6 ± 1,6 años. Reportaron 2,6 ± 1,8 CAR; el puntaje global fue 5,9 ± 0,33. El 16,6% presentaba riesgo CAR moderado o alto. La prevalencia de SM (6,7%) estuvo asociada al puntaje de CAR, RM 1,2 (1,1-1,3), valor que permaneció después de ajustar por edad, sexo, omisión del desayuno, región de residencia, percepción de la imagen corporal y de antecedentes familiares de obesidad, diabetes, hipertensión o infarto (ODHI), RMaj 1,2 (1,1-1,3), pseudo R2 = 0,14, Chi cuadrado 16,7, p < 0,03.Conclusión: el SM fue más frecuente en hombres, que se percibían más delgados y con dos o más antecedentes familiares ODHI. Se sugiere incidir sobre la autopercepción del sobrepeso u obesidad y educar sobre conductas compulsivas, seguimiento de dietas, ayunos y ejercicio para prevenir el SM.

[Metabolic syndrome prevalence and its association with the body mass index in university students]. / Prevalencia de síndrome metabólico y su asociación con el índice de masa corporal en universitarios.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Few studies exist about metabolic syndrome (MS) in young Mexican adult populations. The prevalences of overweight, obesity, and MS were evaluated in a sample of university students from Veracruz, México. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Transversal analytical study performed in 402 student of new admission, aged 20-29 years belonging to Veracruzana University. Waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and serum glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL)-cholesterol were determined. The MS was diagnosed applying the current National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP-III) criteria. RESULTS: Male subjects showed higher values of waist circumference, weight, stature, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p < 0.005, in all cases). The prevalence of central obesity was 9.5%; hypertriglyceridemia, 13.2; low HDL-cholesterol, 28.9%; high systolic and diastolic blood pressures, 9.2%; and hyperglucemia, 6.0%. 48% showed 1-4 NCEP-ATPIII criteria for MS. Global prevalence of MS was 3.7%. The BMI inclusion increased the MS prevalence in overweight and obese student (8.2 vs 0.8%) (x2 = 14.6; p < 0.001; odds ratio = 10.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.4-48.8). CONCLUSIONS: The BMI inclusion improved the MS diagnostic in young adults. Because almost half of the subjects presented at least one MS factor, the need of preventive implementations in young populations and to develop longitudinal studies to ascertain the effect of MS later in life is suggested.

[OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN FULL TIME SCHOOLS MORELOS, MÉXICO]. / SOBREPESO Y OBESIDAD EN NIÑOS Y ADOLESCENTES DE ESCUELAS DE TIEMPO COMPLETO DE MORELOS, MÉXICO.

INTRODUCTION: in Mexico, although there are low intakes of some nutrients; there are higher total energy, fat and sodium and common inadequate physical activity in schools, which originates the presence of overweight and obesity. Objetive: the aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of overweight and obesity in school children full- time state of Morelos (Mexico). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: a cross sectional study in 30 966 students 3-15 years attending 186 schools. The nutritional status was obtained through the Body Mass Index, considering the age and sex; weight was measured with SECA 813 scales and height with stadiometer SECA 213; international benchmarks were used. RESULTS: 36 482 boys and girls censused, it's measured at 30 966 (84.9%) attended the day of visit. The overall prevalence of underweight was close to 8%, and the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity exceeded 25%. Were higher prevalences of underweight and obesity in men. CONCLUSIONS: one in 12 children are underweight; one in four, overweight and one in nine obese. The male population is more vulnerable to suffer consequences for nutritional deficiencies and excesses. Specific studies are needed to differentiate and address obesity primary type and associated risks to define future actions.

Introducción: es común que los escolares en México presenten bajos consumos de algunos nutrimentos, y elevados consumos de energía total, grasas y sodio; también es frecuente que su actividad física sea insuficiente, lo que propicia la presencia de sobrepeso y obesidad. Objetivo: el propósito de este estudio fue identificar la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en los alumnos de escuelas de tiempo completo del estado de Morelos (México). Sujetos y métodos: estudio transversal en 30.966 alumnos de 3 a 15 años, asistentes a 186 escuelas. El estado nutricional se obtuvo a través del Índice de Masa Corporal, considerando la edad y el género; el peso se midió con básculas SECA 813 y la talla con estadímetros SECA 213; se utilizaron patrones de referencia internacionales. Resultados: de 36.482 niños y niñas censados, se midió a 30.966 (84,9%) que asistieron el día de visita. La prevalencia global de bajo peso se aproximó al 8% y la prevalencia conjunta de sobrepeso y obesidad superó el 25%. Fueron más altas las prevalencias de bajo peso y obesidad en los hombres. Conclusiones: uno de cada 12 niños tiene bajo peso; uno de cada cuatro, sobrepeso y uno de cada nueve, obesidad. La población masculina es más vulnerable a padecer consecuencias por deficiencias y excesos nutricionales. Son necesarios estudios específicos para diferenciar y atender la obesidad de tipo primario y los riesgos asociados, para definir acciones futuras.

Effects of ultrasound treatment in purple cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) juice.

Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit is a berry with a tasty pulp full of seeds that constitutes about 10-15% of the edible pulp. In Mexico, cactus pear is mainly consumed fresh, but also has the potential to be processed in other products such as juice. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different ultrasound conditions at amplitude levels ranging (40% and 60% for 10, 15, 25 min; 80% for 3, 5, 8, 10, 15 and 25 min) on the characteristics of purple cactus pear juice. The evaluated parameters were related with the quality (stability, °Brix, pH), microbial growth, total phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH and % chelating activity) of purple cactus pear juices. The ultrasound treatment for time period of 15 and 25 min significantly reduced the microbial count in 15 and 25 min, without affecting the juice quality and its antioxidant properties. Juice treated at 80% of amplitude level showed an increased of antioxidant compounds. Our results demonstrated that sonication is a suitable technique for cactus pear processing. This technology allows the achievement of juice safety and quality standards without compromising the retention of antioxidant compounds.

Prevalencia de conductas alimentarias de riesgo y síndrome metabólico en escolares adolescentes del estado de morelos / Prevalence of risk eating behaviors and metabolic syndrome in teenage school students of Morelos state

Introducción: el síndrome metabólico (SM) es un problema de salud asociado a diabetes y enfermedades cardiovasculares. Se desconoce la prevalencia de SM en adolescentes del estado de Morelos. Ciertas conductas alimentarias de riesgo (CAR) podrían estar asociadas a ese fenotipo. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de SM en adolescentes y su asociación con las CAR. Métodos: estudio transversal en escuelas secundarias y preparatorias de Morelos. Se investigaron datos antropométricos, clínicos, percepción de la imagen corporal y de las CAR. El SM se diagnosticó con criterios internacionales para adolescentes y se analizó su asociación con las CAR. Mediante análisis de regresión logística se estimaron razones de momios (RM) e intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC95).Resultados: fueron estudiados 869 adolescentes de 14,6 ± 1,6 años. Reportaron 2,6 ± 1,8 CAR; el puntaje global fue 5,9 ± 0,33. El 16,6% presentaba riesgo CAR moderado o alto. La prevalencia de SM (6,7%) estuvo asociada al puntaje de CAR, RM 1,2 (1,1-1,3), valor que permaneció después de ajustar por edad, sexo, omisión del desayuno, región de residencia, percepción de la imagen corporal y de antecedentes familiares de obesidad, diabetes, hipertensión o infarto (ODHI), RMaj 1,2 (1,1-1,3), pseudo R2 = 0,14, Chi cuadrado 16,7, p < 0,03.Conclusión: el SM fue más frecuente en hombres, que se percibían más delgados y con dos o más antecedentes familiares ODHI. Se sugiere incidir sobre la autopercepción del sobrepeso u obesidad y educar sobre conductas compulsivas, seguimiento de dietas, ayunos y ejercicio para prevenir el SM

Introduction: metabolic syndrome (MS) is a health problem associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of MS in adolescents from Morelos is unknown. Certain risk eating behaviors (REB) may be associated with this phenotype. Objective: to determine the prevalence of MS in adolescents and its association with REB. Methods: cross-sectional study in junior high schools and high schools from Morelos. Anthropometric, clinical data, perception of body image and REB were investigated. MS was diagnosed with international criteria for adolescents and their association with REB was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) and 95% confidence intervals (CI95). Results: a total of 869 adolescents aged 14.6 ± 1.6 years were studied. They reported 2.6 ± 1.8 REB; the overall score was 5.9 ± 0.33. The 16.6% presented moderate or high REB risk. The prevalence of MS (6.7%) was associated with the REB score (OR 1.2 [1.1-1.3]), a value that remained after adjusting for age, sex, breakfast omission, residence region, perception of body image and background family of obesity, diabetes, hypertension or infarction (ODHI), ORadj 1.2 (1.1-1.3), pseudo R2 = 0.14, Chi-squared 16.7, p < 0.03. Conclusion: MS was more frequent in men, who were perceived to be thinner and with two or more family history of ODHI. It is suggested to influence the self-perception of overweight or obesity, to educate about compulsive behaviors, undergo diets, fasting and exercise to prevent MS

Intervenciones tempranas para prevenir la obesidad infantil: el caso de México / Early interventions to prevent childhood obesity: the case of Mexico

En la población de México el modelo tradicional de la transición nutricional ha sido rebasado. Los problemas de deficiencias nutrimentales no han sido resueltos y la obesidad infantil ha llegado a convertirse en un problema de magnitud alarmante donde existen más de 3 millones de niños y niñas, en edad escolar, con sobrepeso u obesidad. En este trabajo se revisan algunas políticas, estrategias y programas que han surgido durante esta primera época del siglo veintiuno, relativos a la prevención y/o combate de la obesidad escolar en México. Bajo la perspectiva de un modelo socio ecológico, se intenta argumentar el ambiente obesogénico, algunos escenarios y actores involucrados, así como algunos planteamientos sugeridos en el diseño, desarrollo, complemento y mejora de los logros en torno a la obesidad prevalente en la población más joven del país. La descripción y análisis se desarrolla en 4 secciones: Políticas de estado, Las Instituciones; Organizaciones Civiles, Familias y Modelos de intervención para la prevención y control de la obesidad. Se pretende que la información que aquí se analiza sirva de apoyo en la valoración objetiva y cronológica, del interés científico y el trabajo interactivo realizado por el Estado, las instituciones especializadas, la sociedad organizada y el ambiente inmediato de los niños de México, que sin duda, plantea retos aun pendientes por superar (AU)

The traditional model of nutritional transition in Mexico has been topped. The nutritional deficiencies have not been solved and childhood obesity has grown to become a problem of alarming magnitude where more than 3 million children of school-age have overweight or obesity. In this paper some policies, strategies and programs that have emerged during the twenty-first century for the prevention and/or combat to obesity in schools from Mexico are reviewed. Under the perspective of socio ecological model is argued the obesogenic environment, some settings and stakeholders, as well as some approaches suggested in the design, development, supplement and improvement of achievements around the prevalent obesity among the younger population in the country. The description and analysis it develops into 5 sections: State policies, Institutions; Civil organizations, Families, Intervention models for the prevention and control of obesity and experiences of the research group. It is intended that the analyzed information here will support the objective and chronological assessment, the scientific interest and interactive work done by the state, specialized institutions, organized society and the immediate environment of Mexican children, which undoubtedly raises overcome challenges still pending (AU)

Sobrepeso y obesidad en niños y adolescentes de escuelas de tiempo completo de Morelos, México / Overweight and obesity in children and adolescents in full time schools Morelos, México

Introducción: es común que los escolares en México presenten bajos consumos de algunos nutrimentos, y elevados consumos de energía total, grasas y sodio; también es frecuente que su actividad física sea insuficiente, lo que propicia la presencia de sobrepeso y obesidad. Objetivo: el propósito de este estudio fue identificar la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en los alumnos de escuelas de tiempo completo del estado de Morelos (México). Sujetos y métodos: estudio transversal en 30.966 alumnos de 3 a 15 años, asistentes a 186 escuelas. El estado nutricional se obtuvo a través del Índice de Masa Corporal, considerando la edad y el género; el peso se midió con básculas SECA 813 y la talla con estadímetros SECA 213; se utilizaron patrones de referencia internacionales. Resultados: de 36.482 niños y niñas censados, se midió a 30.966 (84,9%) que asistieron el día de visita. La prevalencia global de bajo peso se aproximó al 8% y la prevalencia conjunta de sobrepeso y obesidad superó el 25%. Fueron más altas las prevalencias de bajo peso y obesidad en los hombres. Conclusiones: uno de cada 12 niños tiene bajo peso; uno de cada cuatro, sobrepeso y uno de cada nueve, obesidad. La población masculina es más vulnerable a padecer consecuencias por deficiencias y excesos nutricionales. Son necesarios estudios específicos para diferenciar y atender la obesidad de tipo primario y los riesgos asociados, para definir acciones futuras (AU)

Introduction: in Mexico, although there are low intakes of some nutrients; there are higher total energy, fat and sodium and common inadequate physical activity in schools, which originates the presence of overweight and obesity. Objetive: the aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of overweight and obesity in school children full-time state of Morelos (Mexico). Subjects and methods: a cross sectional study in 30 966 students 3-15 years attending 186 schools. The nutritional status was obtained through the Body Mass Index, considering the age and sex; weight was measured with SECA 813 scales and height with stadiometer SECA 213; international benchmarks were used. Results: 36 482 boys and girls censused, it´s measured at 30 966 (84.9%) attended the day of visit. The overall prevalence of underweight was close to 8%, and the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity exceeded 25%. Were higher prevalences of underweight and obesity in men. Conclusions: one in 12 children are underweight; one in four, overweight and one in nine obese. The male population is more vulnerable to suffer consequences for nutritional deficiencies and excesses. Specific studies are needed to differentiate and address obesity primary type and associated risks to define future actions (AU)

Caracterización de una tortilla tostada elaborada con maíz (Zea mays) y alga (Ulva clathrata) como prospecto de alimento funcional / Characterization of a toasted tortilla made with corn (Zea Mays) and seaweed (Ulva Clathrata) as functional food prospectus

Fundamentos: La tortilla de maíz es de los alimentos más consumidos en México, por lo que es importante que sea vehículo de sustancias benéficas para la salud. La Ulva clathrata, por su alto contenido de fibra soluble y carotenoides entre otros antioxidantes, es una buena opción para adicionar la tortilla y con ello tener importantes beneficios de salud de los consumidores. Objetivo: desarrollar y caracterizar una tortilla tostada a base de maíz (Zea mays) y Ultra clathrata. Métodos: Se usó una mezcla de harinas de maíz y Ulva clathrata (proporción 92 a 8, respectivamente). Se realizaron análisis químicos y microbiológicos. Se evaluó sensorialmente mediante una escala hedónica aplicada a 40 jueces no entrenados. Resultados: En el análisis químico de la tortilla tostada se observó la siguiente composición: humedad, 8,4%; cenizas, 2,6%; fibra cruda, 3,4%; calcio, 1.789,2 mg/kg; sodio 206,5 mg/kg; potasio, 3.271,8 m/kg; carotenoides totales, 7,4 mg/g en los que la mayor cantidad fue luteína (85%). En la evaluación sensorial tuve un 87,5% de aceptación general. Conclusiones: La tortilla tostada adicionada con U. clathrata es una buena fuente de fibra soluble y carotenoides, por lo que se recomienda realizar estudios conducentes a la medición de su efecto biológico como alimento funcional en seres humanos (AU)

Background: The corn tortilla is the most consumed food in Mexico, so it is important to be vehicle of beneficial substances to health. The Uva clathrata, for its high content of soluble fiber and carotenoids among other antioxidants, is a good option to add tortilla and thus have important health benefits of consumers. Objective: too develop and characterize a toasted tortilla made with corn and Ulva clathrata. Methods: We used a mixture of maize and Ulva clathrata in a ratio of 92 to 8, respectively. Chemical and microbiological analyses were performed. Was evaluated using a hedonic scale sensory applied to 40 untrained judges. Results: Chemical analysis showed that toasted tortilla contains: 9.4% humidity, 2.6% ash, 3.4% crude fiber, 1,789,2 mg/kg calcium, 206.5 mg/kg sodium, 3,271.8 mg/kg potassium, 7.4 mg/g total carotenoids, in which the largest part was of lutein (84%. In the sensory evaluation was it had an 87.5% in general acceptance. Conclussions: A toasted tortilla with the substitution of Ulva clathrata was accepted and is a good source of soluble fiber and carotenoids, so studies are recommended, leading to the measurement of its biologic effect as a functional food for humans (AU)

Índice glucémico en alimentos compuestos / Glycemic index in composite foods

En este trabajo se muestran las ventajas que proporciona el conocimiento del índice glucémico en la planeación de dietas para diferentes enfermedades y se hace una revisión de cómo se modifica en un alimento sencillo al ser consumido mezclándolo con otros ingredientes dentro de un platillo; porque principalmente es de esta manera como se consumen la mayoría de los alimentos. Además se exponen las interacciones que ocurren entre los nutrientes y los procesos metabólicos implicados en su digestión, absorción y utilización, con el objetivo de dar explicación a la respuesta glucémica que provocan en los sujetos que los consumen. Con esto se pretende promover la investigación de índice glucémico en alimentos compuestos en la forma en la que son normalmente consumidos; ya sea dentro de una preparación o acompañados por otros ingredientes en un platillo y así determinar los efectos fisiológicos que tienen en el organismo, para garantizar su mejor funcionalidad en el tratamiento dietético de enfermedades (AU)

In this paper we discuss the advantages of considering the glycemic index in planning diets for patients with various diseases. We discuss in this review how this index is modified depending on the way a food item is consumed, weather isolated or in combination as part of a mix of ingredients in a dish, the way most foods are consumed. Another point discussed is the interactions between nutrients and the metabolic processes involved in their digestion, absorption and utilization, which can contribute to explain the glycemic response in subjects. Research on the glycemic index of compound foods in the way they are usually consumed, is needed to assess the physiological effects in the body and to ensure better functionally in the dietary management of diseases (AU)

Prevalencia de síndrome metabólico y su asociación con el índice de masa corporal en universitarios / Metabolic syndrome prevalence and its association with the body mass index in university students

Fundamento y objetivo: Son pocos los estudios realizados sobre el síndrome metabólico (SM) en la población joven adulta de México. En el presente estudio se ha evaluado la prevalencia de SM y sus componentes entre varones y mujeres, así como el papel del índice de masa corporal (IMC) en el estudio de SM, en una muestra de universitarios de Veracruz (México). Sujetos y método: Se ha realizado un estudio transversal analítico en 402 estudiantes de 20 a 29 años de nuevo ingreso de la Universidad Veracruzana. Se determinaron: circunferencia de la cintura, presión arterial sistólica y diastólica, glucosa, triglicéridos y colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de alta densidad (cHDL) en suero. Para el diagnóstico de SM se aplicaron los criterios actualizados del Adult Treatment Panel III del National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP-ATP-III). Resultados: Los varones presentaron valores más elevados de circunferencia de cintura, peso, talla, IMC, triglicéridos y presión arterial sistólica y diastólica (p < 0,005 en todos). La prevalencia de obesidad central fue del 9,5%; la de hipertrigliceridemia, del 13,2%; la de concentración baja de cHDL, del 28,9%; la de hipertensión arterial, del 9,2%, y la de hiperglucemia, del 6%. El 48% presentó de uno a 4 criterios del NCEP-ATP-III para SM. La prevalencia global de SM fue del 3,7%. La inclusión del IMC incrementó la prevalencia de SM en estudiantes con sobrepeso u obesidad (el 8,2 frente al 0,8%) (x2 = 14,6; p < 0,001; odds ratio = 10,8; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 2,4-48,8). Conclusiones: La inclusión del IMC mejoró el diagnóstico de SM en población joven adulta. Casi la mitad de la población presentó al menos un factor de riesgo de SM, por lo que se subraya la importancia de implementar acciones preventivas para el SM en población juvenil y desarrollar estudios longitudinales acerca de sus efectos en la edad adulta

Background and objective: Few studies exist about metabolic syndrome (MS) in young Mexican adult populations. The prevalences of overweight, obesity, and MS were evaluated in a sample of university students from Veracruz, México. Subjects and method: Transversal analytical study performed in 402 student of new admission, aged 20-29 years belonging to Veracruzana University. Waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and serum glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL)-cholesterol were determined. The MS was diagnosed applying the current National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP-III) criteria. Results: Male subjects showed higher values of waist circumference, weight, stature, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p < 0.005, in all cases). The prevalence of central obesity was 9.5%; hypertriglyceridemia, 13.2; low HDL-cholesterol, 28.9%; high systolic and diastolic blood pressures, 9.2%; and hyperglucemia, 6.0%. 48% showed 1-4 NCEP-ATPIII criteria for MS. Global prevalence of MS was 3.7%. The BMI inclusion increased the MS prevalence in overweight and obese student (8.2 vs 0.8%) (x2 = 14.6; p < 0.001; odds ratio = 10.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.4-48.8). Conclusions: The BMI inclusion improved the MS diagnostic in young adults. Because almost half of the subjects presented at least one MS factor, the need of preventive implementations in young populations and to develop longitudinal studies to ascertain the effect of MS later in life is suggested