Measurement of Baseline Characteristics

BMI was determined as the body weight (kg) divided by the height (m) squared (kg/m²). Waist circumference (WC) was measured at the point of noticeable waist narrowing using a flexible anthropometric tape, with the subject in a standing position. Hip circumference (HC) was measured at the maximum circumference over the buttocks. The waist-hip ratio (WHR) was calculated as the ratio between WC and HC. Systolic blood pressure (Systolic BP) and diastolic blood pressure (Diastolic BP) (mm Hg) were measured twice with a standard sphygmomanometer in a sitting position after at least 10 min of rest. Plasma glucose levels were determined by a standard glucose oxidase method. HDL cholesterol and triglycerides plasma levels were determined by using the automatic analyzer GBG ChemWell 2910 (Awareness Tech. Inc., USA) and corresponding kits (Global Scientific T5532-1000 and H-7545-320). Since LTL levels were shown to be significantly associated with 2hPG levels in our previous research (21), 2hPG data were also included in present study even though this metabolic indicator is currently commonly used as diagnostic criteria for pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes but not in the diagnosis of MetS (1).