To develop and validate a metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk score, young adults completed an in-person assessment and online health history questionnaire. Risk scoring was based on weighted multivariate risk score functions. The area under the curve was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.32 to 0.81), indicating a significant relationship between higher scores and increased odds of MetS diagnosis (OR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.38 to 2.25). The new score was associated with the MetS Severity Score (r [correlation coefficient] = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.51; P < .0001) and the American Heart Association score (r = −0.49; 95% CI, −0.57 to −0.39; P < .0001). This score can help improve primary prevention intervention strategies for young adults at risk of MetS.
