Assessment of Self-Reported Metabolic Parameters Among Pakistani Doctors

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of self-reported metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in Pakistani.

Methodology: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad from August to November 2025. 360 licensed doctors (house officers, post graduate trainees, medical officers, and consultants) aged between 25 to 65 years of age completed a self-reported questionnaire on anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting glucose, lipid profile, and lifestyle factors; cut-off values provided by the AHA/NHLBI for the definition of MetS were applied using ethnic and age-specific cut-off values for the Asian population. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were performed to evaluate associations.

Results: The participants had a mean age of 28.9±5.4 years, and 60.6% of the participants were male. The mean BMI for the sample was 27.3±4.2 kg/m²; 66.1% of the participants were classified as overweight, and 7.8% were classified as obese according to BMI. From the total sample, 26.1% of the participants self-reported having MetS;the percentage of males (29.4%) was higher than that of females (21.1%);Poor physical activity levels (33% vs. 18.1%) and current smoking status (34.2% vs. 23.9%) were both associated with a greater incidence of MetS.

Conclusion: Many Pakistani doctors having self-reported metabolic syndrome and its associated components. The MetS is typified by central obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The prevalence of lifestyle variables and the risk of developing metabolic diseases (lack of exercise and smoking) highlight the importance of screening and prevention among this cohort.