Aim: To assess the prevalence and correlates of metabolic syndrome in an adult population attending health centers in Lebanon.

Methods and results: A sample of 499 men and women aged 18–65 years was drawn randomly from 23 health centers, selected proportionate to their distribution in the six administrative districts across Lebanon. Using standardized techniques, anthropometric measurements were taken and biochemical analyses were conducted. Based on the International Diabetes Federation classification criteria, the overall prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (⩾2 factors additional to abdominal obesity) was 31.2% in the total sample and was significantly higher in men than women (OR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.41–3.79). Abdominal obesity and low HDL-C were the factors that contributed most to the overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Lack of physical exercise was associated significantly with higher odds of metabolic syndrome, even after adjusting for baseline characteristics, energy consumption and fat intake (OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.02–4.51).

Conclusion: While larger population-based studies are needed, the relatively high prevalence of abdominal obesity and the negative association observed between metabolic syndrome and physical activity should trigger public health policies to institute multi-component interventions promoting physical activity and weight control nationwide.