Metabolic syndrome, sometimes refered to as Syndrom X is characterized by the presence of increased fasting blood glucose, obesity (particularly in the abdominal area), elevated serum triglycerides, elevated blood pressure, and low HDL cholesterol. The combination of any 3 factors listed in the table below leads to a diagnosis.

Risk Factor	Defining Level
Abdominal obesity* Men Women	Waist circumference** >102 cm (>40 in) >88 cm (>35 in)
Triglycerides	>150 mg/dL
HDL cholesterol Men Women	<40 mg/dl <50 mg/dl
Blood pressure	130/85 mmHg
Fasting glucose	110 mg/dL

*Excess body fat, particularly abdominal obesity, is associated with insulin resistance, the inability for the body to respond to normal insulin levels. The metabolic risk factors are more strongly correlated with abdominal obesity, measured by waist circumference, than with body mass index (BMI).

**A slight increase (37-39 in.) in waist circumference of males can result in the development
of multiple metabolic risk factors. These individuals may have a stronger genetic
contribution to insulin resistance. Changes in life style habits will benefit these males.

Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome can be successfully treated with Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes.
Emphasis should be placed on weight management and increased physical activity. Cholesterol, triglycerides, and other risk factors should be treated if lifestyle therapies
are ineffective after 3 months.