Summary
A cluster of high blood pressure, insulin resistance, obesity and dyslipidaemia raising heart disease risk.
In depth
Defined by central obesity plus two of high triglycerides, low HDL, hypertension and high fasting glucose. Insulin resistance is central. Management: weight loss, exercise, diet and drugs.
Syndrome criteria vary but share central adiposity and insulin resistance. Fatty liver disease is common. Lifestyle interventions are first-line.
Remember: it predicts heart disease and diabetes.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that together increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke: abdominal obesity, raised blood pressure, high fasting glucose, high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol; diagnosis usually needs three of five.
A central feature is insulin resistance, in which tissues respond poorly to insulin, so the pancreas makes more; visceral fat releases inflammatory molecules and free fatty acids, and fat accumulates in liver (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). Genetics, diet, inactivity and ageing contribute. Lifestyle change, weight loss and exercise are the main treatments, with drugs as needed. About a quarter of adults worldwide are affected.
Key idea: managing the cluster, not individual numbers, reduces risk.
Frequently asked questions
What is Metabolic Syndrome?
A cluster of high blood pressure, insulin resistance, obesity and dyslipidaemia raising heart disease risk.
Which area of biology covers Metabolic Syndrome, and how advanced is it?
Metabolic Syndrome is one of the 53 topics in Metabolism & Bioenergetics. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Gluconeogenesis, Ketone Body Metabolism, AMPK and mTOR Signalling.
Can you give an example of Metabolic Syndrome?
It increases risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
What should I learn before Metabolic Syndrome?
Work through the Beginner topics in Metabolism & Bioenergetics first, such as Metabolism, Anabolism and Catabolism, ATP, then return to Metabolic Syndrome. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Metabolic Syndrome?
The closest topics to Metabolic Syndrome are Gluconeogenesis, Ketone Body Metabolism, AMPK and mTOR Signalling, Hormonal Control of Metabolism. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Metabolic Syndrome?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Metabolic Syndrome. To practise the whole of Metabolism & Bioenergetics, use the Metabolism & Bioenergetics quiz.
How is Metabolic Syndrome different from Gluconeogenesis?
Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of high blood pressure, insulin resistance, obesity and dyslipidaemia raising heart disease risk. Gluconeogenesis: Synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors such as lactate and amino acids, mainly in the liver. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Metabolic Syndrome step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Gluconeogenesis and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Metabolism & Bioenergetics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.