Metabolic syndrome is a combination of metabolic disorders which increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, two common causes of morbidity and mortality all over the world, with increasing incidence in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in an elite Nigerian community and determine independent predictors of the condition. A cross-sectional study was designed involving 200 members of the community. They responded to a structured questionnaire on their demographic parameters as well as medical and drug histories. Fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and Total cholesterol were measured. Blood pressure, BMI and waist circumference were also measured. Using the IDF definition i.e presence of central adiposity and two of raised TG (≥1.7mm/L), reduced HDL (130mmHg systolic or >85mmHg diastolic, or an antihypertensive drugs), and raised fasting blood glucose (>5.6mm/L or previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes), a total of 35 persons were found to have metabolic syndrome. The commonest lipid abnormality found was reduced HDL levels. Raised BMI was a strong predictor (18%). The study shows that while the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is low in the community, a large number of people have central obesity and high BMI. It is important for stakeholders to create awareness on the need to keep fit. There is also a need to carry out more studies on independent determinants of metabolic syndrome and seek to understand the pathways by which it develops, so as to be able to address it’s far reaching implications.

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