Epidemiology of metabolic syndrom and health risks of german construction workers

Introduction
Objective: In the scope of the METABAU-study the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MVS) is examined in construction workers. They were shown preventive behavior patterns and they were motivated for life style changes

Methods
The study population consisted of 15,000 construction workers. They were examined between 2007 and 2009 by the Occupational Health Service as a part of routine occupational health surveillance. The portion of men amounts to 96%, the mean age was 41 years. The waist circumference was determined and an enlarged anamnesis was raised. The MVS was determined according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF 2005, 2009). 

Results
The values of all examined risk factors rise clearly with increasing age. Thus 42% of the young men (<25 years) have a BMI of ≥25 and 26% a waist circumference of ≥94cm. With those between 55 and 64 years the values lie by 82% or 76%. Besides, 54% of the younger and 85% of the older ones are conspicuous by their blood pressure values (≥130/85), so that in these age groups 19 % or 69% fulfill these two MVS criteria. According to the IDF a MVS is given with 10% or 56% of these age classes.

Discussion
Individual risk factors and MVS are widely spread amongst construction workers. Even single risk factors can lead to restrictions of the ability and efficiency to work. A large amount of Construction workers do not use the health system, especially the preventive-medical Offers. The company doctor can recognize risk people, advice and motivate them to take part in health promotion programs. It is worthwhile to arouse motivation for the subject of health support and to initiate suitable measures with partners like health insurance schemes. Instruments to identify risk people suited for everyday life use are vital for a specific consultation.