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1. Introduction
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major public health problem worldwide [1]. A diagnosis of MetS is based on the existence of pre-diabetes combined with dyslipidemia (elevated levels of total or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels), elevated blood pressure and central adiposity [2,3]. The screening and early diagnosis of MetS are, however, not easy in young subjects, because the diagnostic criteria for the estimation of MetS has not been fully established [3]. Identifying individuals with MetS is important due to its association with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and Type 2 diabetes mellitus [4,5,6,7,8]. For this reason cardiovascular risk factor measurements are important, even at early age, to detect a risk profile in time for intervention.
On the other hand, several risk factors for MetS have been suggested, such as weight status [9], measures of central adiposity and inflammatory markers [10], dietary factors, such as the intake of total fat or saturated fat [11], physical inactivity [12], and poor physical fitness [13]. We previously demonstrated in children and adolescents aged 9-17 years that those with the highest values of body mass index and subjects aged 9-12 years old were more likely to have a prevalence of MetS [3]. Additionally, other studies that included diverse Hispanic/Latino populations suggested a marked heterogeneity in risk factor prevalence within this population [7,8].
Currently, there is no gold standard diagnostic criteria for MetS in adults, and a description of the prevalence of MetS according to the few proposed definitions is necessary for different populations around the world [4,5]. For example, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reported that when using the National Cholesterol Education Program definition of the MetS [4,6], the age-adjusted prevalence of the MetS was 44.5% among Hispanic men, and 44.1% among Hispanic women [7,14,15,16]. Furthermore, previous studies in the Colombian population have shown an inconsistent association between the component cut-offs specified in diagnostic criteria for MetS and its utility [17,18].
The lifestyle of the college population has changed considerably over the past 20 years due to a rapid improvement in socioeconomic status [19,20]. These changes, in addition to the adoption of a western lifestyle and diet, have led to a rise in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in...