What is metabolic syndrome exactly?

  • Metabolic syndrome groups together risk factors that increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
  • It affects 34% of adults in the U.S. and can double the risk of heart disease.
  • The diagnosis is based on the presence of at least three risk factors: abdominal obesity, hypertension, and high blood sugar levels.
  • Exercise and a healthy diet are crucial to reducing the risk of or reversing metabolic syndrome.
Carol Álvarez

1 minute

man with metabolic syndrome

What is metabolic syndrome?

How is metabolic syndrome diagnosed?

  • Waist circumference: more than 88 centimeters for women and 101 for men
  • Triglyceride levels: 150 mg/dL or higher
  • HDL cholesterol: less than 50 mg/dL for women and 40 mg/dL for men
  • Blood pressure: 130/85 mmHg or higher
  • Fasting blood sugar levels: 100 mg/dL or higher

What happens if it is not controlled?

How to reduce the risk?

Lose weight

Move more

pregnant woman with polycystic ovary syndrome
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adjust your diet

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How to reduce the risk?


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