This 1999 study collected familial, psychosocial and biological (weight and height measurements, skinfold thickness, blood pressure) data from 3,613 children aged 9, 13 and 16 who were representative of the Quebec population of these age groups. A fasting blood sample was taken from two-thirds of the patients, which enabled us to determine that metabolic syndrome prevalence was at 12% in the population, regardless of age or sex. The research team used and continues to use these data in an effort to enhance current knowledge of metabolic syndrome in children.