BACKGROUND: Air pollution is a recognized contributor to metabolic syndrome (MetS)
but studies in developing regions, including China, remain limited, especially in severely polluted areas near the Taklamakan Desert. METHODS: Health data from 2,689,455 individuals aged ≥ 18 years in five regions near the Taklamakan Desert were analyzed. MetS diagnosed followed the 2016 Chinese Adult Dyslipidaemias Management Guidelines. Spatio-temporal data from satellite observations were employed to estimate ambient pollution levels, encompassing particulate matter with diameters of up to 1.0 µm (PM RESULTS: The study observed a 20.43 % prevalence of MetS. Non-linear analysis indicated a significant association between all pollutants and MetS prevalence. A 10 μg/m³ increase in concentration was associated with the following respective odds ratios: PM CONCLUSIONS: There is an observed association between long-term exposure to air pollution and a heightened risk of MetS, particularly in men, younger individuals, those who are physically inactive, and smokers.