Metabolic syndrome in Australia varies by remoteness and Indigenous status

A national analysis of 2012–2019 survey data found metabolic syndrome increased among Indigenous adults while declining modestly among non-Indigenous adults, and central abdominal obesity was the most common MetS component, with Indigenous adults bearing the highest burden.

Researchers analysed nationally representative survey data from 2012–2019 to estimate metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence and trends by remoteness and Indigenous status. The analysis combined data from the National Health Survey (NHS) and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS). Results show divergent trends by ethnicity: MetS prevalence rose among Indigenous adults but declined modestly among non-Indigenous adults over the study period. Central abdominal obesity was the most prevalent MetS component and was particularly common among Indigenous adults. Key findings: - MetS prevalence increased among Indigenous adults between 2012–2013 and 2018–2019, while it fell modestly among non-Indigenous adults during the same period. - Central obesity rose slightly in most areas and affected more than half of Indigenous adults, exceeding the cited global average. - Type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence was substantially higher among Indigenous adults and reached about 13% in remote Indigenous communities; T2D declined in most regions for non-Indigenous adults but increased in remote non-Indigenous areas. - Hypertension declined across all regions for non-Indigenous adults but increased for Indigenous adults, notably in inner regional areas. - Self-reported high cholesterol fell in non-Indigenous adults across regions but increased among Indigenous adults in most areas; remote areas had the lowest cholesterol prevalence for both groups by the latest survey years. - The study notes several limitations including reliance on self-reported measures for some conditions, cross-sectional design, exclusion of HDL cholesterol and triglycerides from the MetS definition, and possible underrepresentation or sampling differences for very remote communities. Summary: The study highlights marked ethnic and geographic inequalities in metabolic risk across Australia, with Indigenous adults carrying a higher and in places rising burden of MetS and its components. Authors link these patterns to structural determinants, changing detection and management practices, and regional differences in access to services. They report recommendations for regionally tailored and culturally appropriate interventions and emphasise the importance of continued monitoring and targeted responses to address these disparities.