The national heart, lung, and blood institute (NHLBI) says the criteria for metabolic syndrome include having 3 or more of the following:
●Abdominal obesity - waist circumference ≥ 35 in. in females and ≥40 in. in males
●Triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL or taking medication for elevated triglycerides
●high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol <50 mg/dL in female and <40 mg/dL in males or taking a medication to treat for low HDL cholesterol
●Blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg or taking a medication to treat elevated blood pressure
●Fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL or taking a medication to treat elevated blood glucose
Intervention is important to lower risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other serious health problems! Often, lifestyle interventions such as eating the right amount of foods (focusing on nutrient density), sufficient movement, stress management, and sleep while simultaneously avoiding smoking and excess alcohol can make a huge difference!
