Objective: The aim of this study was to compare estimates of the prevalence and incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) using various data sources.
Methods: We integrated health risk assessment (HRA), claims, and biometric screening data from Lockheed Martin Corporation. We measured the extent to which MetS risk factors measured using HRA and medical claims correlated with biometric screening data.
Results: Using biometric data, 24.9% of employees were identified as having MetS. Prevalence estimates were much lower using HRA data (6.8%) and claims (3.7%). Between 2012 and 2014, 10.4% of the sample newly acquired MetS. The number of MetS risk factors per employee was predictive of diabetes, heart disease, health care costs, and utilization.
Conclusion: MetS is prevalent and associated with progression to disease. It is more easily tracked with biometric screening data than with HRA or claims data. Employers should consider efforts to manage and prevent this condition in their workforce.