Metabolic syndrome


Insulin resistance syndrome; Syndrome X

Metabolic syndrome is a name for a group of risk factors that occur together and increase 

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Metabolic syndrome is becoming more and more common in the United States. 
Researchers are not sure whether the syndrome is due to one single cause, but all of the 

risks for the syndrome are related to obesity.
The two most important risk factors for metabolic syndrome are:
  • Extra weight around the middle and upper parts of the body (central obesity). The 

    body may be described as "apple-shaped."
  • Insulin resistance. The the body uses insulin less effectively than normal. Insulin is 

    needed to help control the amount of sugar in the body. As a result, blood sugar 

    and fat levels rise.
Other risk factors include:
  • Aging
  • Genes that make you more likely to develop this condition
  • Hormone changes
  • Lack of exercise
People who have metabolic syndrome often have two other problems that can either 

cause the condition or make it worse:
  • Excess blood clotting
  • Increased levels of blood substances that are a sign of inflammation throughout the 

    body