Introduction:
Cigarette smoking is one of the most common risk factors of non-communicable diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been the focus of attention for many years. Little information exists on the prevalence of the MetS among the Royal Thai Army (RTA) personnel.

Objectives:
The authors aimed to estimate the prevalence of MetS and associated risk factors especially cigarette smoking among the RTA personnel.

Methods:
Data retrieved from the Heath Examination in the RTA forces in Bangkok, 2015 was used to determine MetS according to the IDF 2005 criteria. Comparison across variables were made using Chi-square test. Identification of risk factors was performed using univariate and multivariate regression. Results are presented as odd ratios together with 95% CI intervals. P-values less than 0.05 indicate significant difference.

Results:
From 16668 RTA personnel records, the average age was 44.3±11.1 years (ranged 18-65) and 81% was male. Prevalence of MetS among the RTA personnel was 21.1%. There were an increasing in trends in prevalence of smoking with lower age (40%, 32%, 27%, 21% for age-group < 30, 30-39, 40-49, and ≥50, respectively) (p-value <0.001). The prevalence of smoking among male and female was not different (p-value >0.05). The significant risks factors of MetS were age (CI 1.01-1.03), female (CI 5.66-6.95), smoking (CI 1.19-1.51) and alcohol drinking (CI 1.00-142). Of note, Regular exercise was the potential protective factors for MetS (CI 0.51-0.73) (P<0.0001).

Conclusion(s):
The prevalence of MetS among RTA personnel was 21.1% and it is age-dependent. Age, female, smoking and alcohol drinking are significant risk factors and regular exercise is a protective factor. These findings are important for planning strategies to prevent the MetS in the RTA personnel.