RESUMO
BACKGROUND: the metabolic syndrome (MS) is a public health problem in Mexico and in the world due to its progressive growing and cardiovascular complications. Our aim was to identify the frequency of MS in health care workers in a primary care unit. METHODS: a prospective study, descriptive, observational and transversal was performed. A non probabilistic sample was obtained in agreement with health 90 workers (family physicians, dentist, office medical assistants, nurses, laboratory personnel and social workers), that were working from March to September of 2007. The Adult Treatment Panel III criterion was used to diagnose and classify. RESULTS: the 40 % presented MS, it was higher in women (42 %) and in the group of 40 to 49 years (47 %). Dentists and social workers were the most affected (62 %), the nurses (42 %), family physicians (32 %) and medical office assistant (30 %). CONCLUSIONS: the MS was common in the health personnel. Our results showed major frequency compared with that reported in other countries and general Mexican population of adults.