Metabolic Syndrome and Abdominal Obesity

The latest national guidelines for preventing and managing high blood cholesterol describe a group of risk factors called metabolic syndrome. Abdominal obesity, defined as a large waist size (more than 35 inches in women and more than 40 inches in men), is part of the syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is linked to insulin resistance (which can lead to diabetes) and a high risk of getting heart disease. You have metabolic syndrome if you have at least three of these risk factors:

• a large waist measurement (abdominal obesity) of over 35 inches for women

• high triglycerides (150 or above)

• a low HDL or "good" cholesterol level (for women, under 50)

• blood pressure of 130/85 or higher

• fasting glucose (blood sugar) of 110 or higher.

Improved diet, weight loss, and increased physical activity are very important if you have metabolic syndrome.