Trends of the Incidence and Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Among Participants of the Specific Health Check and Guidance System in Japan

A specific nationwide health check-up and guidance system (Tokutei-Kenshin) was initiated in April 2008 to detect metabolic syndrome (MetS) and if confirmed, to provide individual instruction to modify lifestyle and the necessary treatment. However, trends of the incidence and prevalence of MetS are not yet available. Data of the Tokutei-Kensin from 2008 to 2014 were used in this study. The total number of participants was 3,809,853. Among them, we identified 933,490 individuals who have screened at least twice during the study period. The mean number of visits was 3.4 times per person. Incidence of MetS was defined as those who were MetS (-) at the first screening and developed MetS next year. Persistent prevalence of MetS was defined as those who were MetS (+) at both the first and next year screening. We obtained five 1-year incidence and persistent prevalence of MetS during the study period. The average 1-year incidence of MetS was 5.7% (6.6%, 2.7%) and the average prevalence of MetS was 10.1% (16.1%, 6.2%) in the total (men, women) participants, respectively. The average persistent prevalence of MetS was 47.3% (49.6%, 43.3%) in the total (men, women) participants, respectively. Both incidence and prevalence of MetS were higher in men than that in women. Compared to those of age less than 65 years old, elderly participants had a higher incidence and prevalence of MetS. During the study period of 2008 to 2014, there were no apparent changes in the incidence, prevalence, and persistent prevalence of MetS.