1. Take the Metabolic Syndrome Quiz
2. Type 2 Diabetes: Learn the Warning Signs
3. A Visual Guide to Heart Disease

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

In this Article

• What is metabolic syndrome?
• How is metabolic syndrome defined?
• How common is metabolic syndrome?
• What causes, and what are the risk factors and symptoms of metabolic syndrome?
• Why should I know about metabolic syndrome?
• What is the treatment for metabolic syndrome?
• Diet and metabolic syndrome
• Exercise and metabolic syndrome
• Cosmetic surgery to remove fat
• What if lifestyle changes are not enough to treat metabolic syndrome?
• Summary
• Metabolic Syndrome FAQs
• Patient Comments: Metabolic Syndrome - Symptoms
• Patient Comments: Metabolic Syndrome - Effective Treatments
• Find a local Internist in your town
• Metabolic Syndrome Index

Metabolic syndrome is worth caring about because it is significant risk factor for the development of both type 2 diabetes and heart disease, two of the most common and important chronic diseases today.

• There are other concerns as well that should be mentioned. Metabolic syndrome is associated with fat accumulation in the liver (fatty liver), resulting in inflammation and the potential for cirrhosis.
• The kidneys can also be affected, as there is an association with microalbuminuria -- the leaking of protein into the urine, a subtle but clear indication of kidney damage.
• Other problems associated with metabolic syndrome include obstructive sleep apnea, polycystic ovary syndrome , increased risk of dementia with aging, and cognitive decline in the elderly.

The major goals are to treat both the underlying cause of the syndrome, and also to treat the cardiovascular risk factors if they persist. As has been discussed, a majority of people with metabolic syndrome are overweight and lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Lifestyle modification is the preferred treatment of metabolic syndrome. Weight reduction usually requires a specifically tailored multifaceted program that includes diet and exercise. Sometimes medications may be useful.