Metabolic Syndrome and Co-occurrence of Its Components Among Female Medical Students in A Private Medical College in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Medical students often face intense academic pressure; moreover, they adopt sedentary lifestyles, which can significantly elevate their cardiometabolic risk. As future healthcare providers, their own health status is a critical indicator of public health trends.Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components among female medical students in a private medical college in Bangladesh.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Ad-din Women’s Medical College, Dhaka. Data were collected from female students following NCEP ATP III criteria. Clinical and biochemical assessments included waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, fasting triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol.Result: The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 78 (42.2%). The most pervasive metabolic abnormality was low HDL cholesterol 101 (54.6%), followed by elevated blood pressure 70 (37.8%), and triglycerides 69 (37.3%). Notably, a high proportion of students who did not meet the full criteria for MetS (Metabolic Syndrome) were found to have one or two risk factors, placing them on the threshold of the syndrome.Conclusion: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in this cohort is alarmingly high compared to international data for medical students. These findings highlight an urgent need for institutional health interventions, regular screenings, and lifestyle modifications to safeguard the health of future physicians. The Journal of Ad-din Women's Medical College; Vol. 14(2), July 2026; p 3-10