Metabolic Syndrome / Metabolic Risks

The metabolic syndrome refers to a constellation of multiple metabolic disorders including abdominal obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, raised blood pressure, and glucose intolerance. According to the NCEP ATP III definition, about one-fourth of U.S. adults have the metabolic syndrome or metabolic risks. Because of the continuing epidemic of overweight and obesity, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome will continue to grow. The metabolic syndrome is a precursor to type 2 diabetes and a significant risk factor for cardiovascular deaths. The definition, however, of the metabolic syndrome remains controversial, and the clinical approaches to managing patients with metabolic risks are not well defined.