Objective   To investigate the prev alence of metabolic syndrome(MS)and the attribution of each components to the MS in adults older than 18 in Beijing.

  Methods   Data were selected from the 2002 Beijing Nutrition and health status baseline survey, which had completed info rmation on plasma glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure.Totally 2 140 subjects(men 969, women 1 171)were analyzed using ATP criteria of MS.

  Results   (1) The adjusted prevalence of MS was 15.4%, which increased sharply when the age was older than 45 and the highest point was in the 65.This index in men was 13.5% comparing with 17.1% in women and this difference had statistic significance.(2)The waistline was the most significant component distinguishing MS, following by the level of plasma glucose and T riglycerides.A ccording to sex, the waistline and the level of plasma glucose were the most magnificent index in men and women respectively.

  Conclusion   15.4% adults old ertnan 18 have MS in Beijing and the prevalence of central obesity, diabetes and dyslipidemia are hig her than those of regulate diets, which have been proved the economical, effective and reasonable approach to prevent MS.