Diagnostic criteria
The 2009 harmonized definition requires three or more of:
- Abdominal obesity: population-specific waist cut-offs (in Korea 90 cm for men, 85 cm for women)
- Triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL or on treatment
- HDL cholesterol <40 mg/dL (men) or <50 mg/dL (women)
- Blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg or on treatment
- Fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL or on treatment
Causes
Visceral fat and insulin resistance are central, driven by overeating, inactivity, smoking, heavy drinking, poor sleep, genes and ageing. Reaven (1988) first grouped the cluster as "Syndrome X".
Risks and prevention
It sharply raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Losing 5-10% of body weight, 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise, cutting refined carbohydrates and saturated fat, and quitting smoking are the basics, with medication where needed.
References
- Alberti, K. G. M. M., et al. (2009). Harmonizing the metabolic syndrome. Circulation, 120(16), 1640-1645.
- Grundy, S. M., et al. (2005). Diagnosis and management of the metabolic syndrome: An AHA/NHLBI scientific statement. Circulation, 112(17), 2735-2752.
- Reaven, G. M. (1988). Role of insulin resistance in human disease. Diabetes, 37(12), 1595-1607.