Metabolic syndrome risk factors


 * Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [mailto:psingh@perfuse.org]

Overview
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.

Risk factors for metabolic syndrome are:
People who have metabolic syndrome often have two other problems that can either cause the condition or make it worse:
 * Extra weight around the middle and upper parts of the body (central obesity). The body may be described as "apple-shaped."
 * Insulin resistance, in which the body cannot use insulin effectively.
 * Aging
 * Genetics and family history
 * Hormonal changes
 * Lack of exercise
 * Excess blood clotting
 * Low levels of inflammation throughout the body