Metabolic syndrome in Australia: nationwide survey results by remoteness and Indigenous status, 2012–2019
Authors' conclusion
Substantial disparities in MetS exist across Australia, disproportionately affecting Indigenous Australians and residents of remote areas. Culturally tailored, region-specific interventions targeting obesity are urgently needed through Local Health Districts and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.
Study context
- Population
- Australian adults aged ≥18 years
- Participants
- 44,760 adults
- Exposure
- Indigenous vs non-Indigenous Australians; by geographic remoteness
- Outcome
- Weighted prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), overall and by remoteness; temporal trends (Average Annual Rate of Change)
Methodological detailsnationwide surveys, weighted prevalence estimates, repeated surveys (2012–2019)
- Nationwide surveys
- Weighted prevalence estimates
- Repeated surveys (2012–2019)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
MetS prevalence · most recent surveys (Indigenous 2018-2019; non-Indigenous 2017-2018)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | Indigenous | Non-Indigenous |
|---|---|---|
| Central obesity (most common MetS risk factor) | 57.4% (95% CI 55.14–59.63) | 40.9% (95% CI 39.90–41.85) |
Temporal trends in metabolic syndrome (MetS) by remoteness
- Non-Indigenous: MetS declined across most regions but increased in remote areas from 4.5% to 7.1%
- Average Annual Rate of Change (AARC): +15.77%
- Indigenous: stable in remote areas but rose in major cities and regional settings
Least common MetS risk factor
- Indigenous: high cholesterol
- 7.6% [95% CI: 6.58-8.67]
- Non-Indigenous: elevated blood sugar
- 4.8% [95% CI: 4.44-5.21]
Contributors to MetS
- Central obesity and T2D most prominent contributors among Indigenous adults; hypertension and high cholesterol more prevalent among non-Indigenous adults in regional areas
Original publication
Metabolic syndrome in Australia: nationwide survey results by remoteness and Indigenous status, 2012–2019. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 8 January 2026. doi:10.
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