Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo
Login


Indonesian Journal on Health Science and Medicine

 Submit manuscript
Section Articles

Gender Differences in Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors Based on International Diabetes Federation Criteria

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): July:
DOI : https://doi.org/10.21070/ijhsm.v3i1.351
Published : Jan 4, 2026

Khamail A. Bader (1), Majid A. Maatook (2), Ibrahim A. Zaboon (3)

(1) Department of Community Health Techniques, College of Health & Medical Techniques, Southern Technical University, Basra, Iraq
(2) Department of Artificial Kidney Techniques, College of Health & Medical Techniques, Southern Technical University, Basra, Iraq
(3) Al-Basra Health Directorate/Al-Faiha Specialized Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolism Center, Basra, Iraq
Fulltext View | Download

Abstract:

General Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a cluster of interrelated metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors that substantially increase morbidity and mortality worldwide. Specific Background: In Iraq, the rising burden of non-communicable diseases has intensified interest in MetS, yet evidence on gender-specific risk patterns using International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria remains limited. Knowledge Gap: Few studies have systematically examined gender differences in MetS risk factors among Iraqi adults. Aims: This study aimed to identify and compare gender-specific risk factors for MetS among adults in Al-Basra province based on IDF criteria. Results: Distinct gender differences were observed in sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measures, lipid profiles, blood pressure, smoking status, and family history patterns, while age, residence, body mass index, glycemic status, and physical activity showed no significant gender differences. Novelty: The study provides localized, gender-stratified evidence on MetS risk factors in southern Iraq. Implications: The findings support the need for gender-sensitive prevention, screening, and management strategies within primary care and public health programs.
Keywords : Metabolic Syndrome, Gender Differences, Risk Factors, International Diabetes Federation Criteria, Waist Circumference
Highlight :












  • Females showed higher LDL, HDL, and familial hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular histories.




  • Males exhibited greater waist measurements, smoking prevalence, and familial obesity history.




  • Anthropometric measures differed by sex, while body mass index and physical activity remained comparable.











References

R. Kelishadi, S. Hovsepian, S. Djalalinia, F. Jamshidi, and M. Qorbani, “A Systematic Review on the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Iranian Children and Adolescents,” J. Res. Med. Sci., vol. 21, 2016, doi: 10.4103/1735-1995.181989.

T. D. Dagpo, C. J. Nolan, and V. Delghingaro-Augusto, “Exploring Therapeutic Targets to Reverse or Prevent the Transition From Metabolically Healthy to Unhealthy Obesity,” Cells, vol. 9, no. 7, p. 1596, 2020, doi: 10.3390/cells9071596.

E. Adnan, I. A. Rahman, and H. P. Faridin, “Relationship Between Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome Components, and Serum Uric Acid,” Diabetes Metab. Syndr. Clin. Res. Rev., vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 2158–2162, 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2019.05.010.

E. McCracken, M. Monaghan, and S. Sreenivasan, “Pathophysiology of the Metabolic Syndrome,” Clin. Dermatol., vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 14–20, 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2017.09.004.

J. H. Huh, D. R. Kang, J. Y. Kim, and K. K. Koh, “Metabolic Syndrome Fact Sheet 2021: Executive Report,” Cardiometab. Syndr. J., vol. 1, 2021, doi: 10.51789/cmsj.2021.1.e1.

C. Reisinger, B. N. Nkeh-Chungag, P. M. Fredriksen, and N. Goswami, “The Prevalence of Pediatric Metabolic Syndrome—A Critical Look on the Discrepancies Between Definitions and Its Clinical Importance,” Int. J. Obes., vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 12–24, 2021, doi: 10.1038/s41366-020-00713-1.

S. M. Grundy, “Metabolic Syndrome Pandemic,” Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., vol. 28, no. 4, pp. 629–636, 2008, doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.107.151092.

A. A. Saleh, A. H. Hayawi, A. Y. Al-Samarrai, and R. K. Lafta, “Metabolic Syndrome Among Obese Adults in Baghdad, Iraq,” Saudi J. Obes., vol. 5, no. 1, p. 8, 2017, doi: 10.4103/sjo.sjo_6_17.

H.-Y. Ngai, K.-K. S. Yuen, C.-M. Ng, C.-H. Cheng, and S.-K. P. Chu, “Metabolic Syndrome and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: An Update,” Asian J. Urol., vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 164–173, 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.ajur.2017.05.003.

T. Unger et al., “2020 International Society of Hypertension Global Hypertension Practice Guidelines,” Hypertension, vol. 75, no. 6, pp. 1334–1357, 2020, doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.120.15026.

S. M. Mbugua, S. T. Kimani, and G. Munyoki, “Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components Among University Students in Kenya,” BMC Public Health, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 1–8, 2017, doi: 10.1186/s12889-017-4936-x.

S.-H. Lee, S. Tao, and H.-S. Kim, “The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Related Risk Complications Among Koreans,” Nutrients, vol. 11, no. 8, p. 1755, 2019, doi: 10.3390/nu11081755.

O. T. Okube, S. T. Kimani, and W. Mirie, “Gender Differences in the Pattern of Sociodemographics Relevant to Metabolic Syndrome Among Kenyan Adults With Central Obesity,” High Blood Press. Cardiovasc. Prev., vol. 27, pp. 61–82, 2020, doi: 10.1007/s40292-020-00360-7.

Y. Rochlani, N. V. Pothineni, and J. L. Mehta, “Metabolic Syndrome: Does It Differ Between Women and Men?” Cardiovasc. Drugs Ther., vol. 29, pp. 329–338, 2015, doi: 10.1007/s10557-015-6593-6.

S. O’Neill and L. O’Driscoll, “Metabolic Syndrome: A Closer Look at the Growing Epidemic and Its Associated Pathologies,” Obes. Rev., vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 1–12, 2015, doi: 10.1111/obr.12229.

Y. Yi and J. An, “Sex Differences in Risk Factors for Metabolic Syndrome in the Korean Population,” Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, vol. 17, no. 24, p. 9513, 2020, doi: 10.3390/ijerph17249513.

M. Strauss et al., “A Systematic Review of Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Occupational Groups: Does Occupation Matter in the Global Epidemic of Metabolic Syndrome?” Prog. Cardiovasc. Dis., 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2022.09.003.

G. J. Nowicki et al., “The Relationship Between the Metabolic Syndrome and the Place of Residence in the Local Community,” Diabetes Metab. Syndr. Obes., pp. 2041–2056, 2021, doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S301639.

M. J. Guembe et al., “Risk for Cardiovascular Disease Associated With Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components,” Cardiovasc. Diabetol., vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 1–14, 2020, doi: 10.1186/s12933-020-01166-6.

J.-S. Kim et al., “Association Between Periodontitis and Metabolic Syndrome,” Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, vol. 16, no. 16, p. 2930, 2019, doi: 10.3390/ijerph16162930.

S. Chang, Y. Chang, and L. Wu, “Gender Differences in Lifestyle and Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome,” J. Clin. Nurs., vol. 28, no. 11–12, pp. 2225–2234, 2019, doi: 10.1111/jocn.14824.

L. Ben-Yacov et al., “Prevalence and Sex-Specific Patterns of Metabolic Syndrome in Rural Uganda,” BMJ Nutr. Prev. Health, vol. 3, no. 1, p. 11, 2020, doi: 10.1136/bmjnph-2019-000050.

X. Guo, Q. Ding, and M. Liang, “Evaluation of Eight Anthropometric Indices for Identification of Metabolic Syndrome,” Diabetes Metab. Syndr. Obes., pp. 1431–1443, 2021, doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S294244.

H. Pouragha et al., “Body Impedance Analyzer and Anthropometric Indicators as Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome,” J. Diabetes Metab. Disord., vol. 20, pp. 1169–1178, 2021, doi: 10.1007/s40200-021-00836-w.

H.-L. Kim et al., “Effects of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components on Arterial Stiffness in Relation to Gender,” J. Cardiol., vol. 65, no. 3, pp. 243–249, 2015, doi: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2014.05.009.

M. Srinivas et al., “Gender-Wise Risk Association Between Fatty Liver and Metabolic Syndrome Components,” Indian J. Gastroenterol., vol. 34, pp. 38–42, 2015, doi: 10.1007/s12664-014-0525-4.

M. A. Alamgir et al., “Gender Difference in Components of Metabolic Syndrome Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes,” Pak. J. Med. Sci., vol. 31, no. 4, p. 886, 2015, doi: 10.12669/pjms.314.6714.

Y.-C. Ou et al., “Gender Difference in the Association Between Lower Muscle Mass and Metabolic Syndrome,” Arch. Gerontol. Geriatr., vol. 72, pp. 12–18, 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2017.04.006.

N. Kudo et al., “Association Between the Type of Physical Activity and Metabolic Syndrome,” Environ. Health Prev. Med., vol. 26, pp. 1–9, 2021, doi: 10.1186/s12199-021-00949-x.

S. Lee et al., “Gender Differences in Metabolic Syndrome Components Among the Korean 66-Year-Old Population,” BMC Geriatr., vol. 16, pp. 1–8, 2016, doi: 10.1186/s12877-016-0202-9.

I. Y. Kim et al., “Women With Metabolic Syndrome and General Obesity Are at Higher Risk for Hyperuricemia,” J. Clin. Med., vol. 8, no. 6, p. 837, 2019, doi: 10.3390/jcm8060837.