Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of interconnected metabolic abnormalities that collectively increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, and other chronic conditions. The syndrome includes:

• Central Obesity: Excess visceral fat (waist circumference ≥102 cm in men, ≥88 cm in women, with ethnic-specific variations).

• Dyslipidemia: Elevated triglycerides (≥150 mg/dL) and reduced HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dL in men, <50 mg/dL in women).

• Hyperglycemia: Fasting blood glucose ≥100 mg/dL or a diagnosis of diabetes.

• Hypertension: Blood pressure ≥120/80 mmHg or use of antihypertensive medication.

This syndrome underscores the systemic impact of insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and adipocyte dysfunction, which are common drivers of these abnormalities (Magliano et al., 2006).

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Why It’s Important to Be Metabolically Healthy

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1. Reduced Cardiovascular Disease Risk:

   • Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of CVD by 2-3 times, primarily through pathways like atherogenesis, endothelial dysfunction, and arterial inflammation (Eckel et al., 2005).

2. Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes:

   • Individuals with metabolic syndrome have a 5-fold increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly when hyperglycemia and insulin resistance are present (Zimmet et al., 2005).

3. Improved Longevity:

   • Maintaining metabolic health reduces the risk of premature mortality. The chronic inflammatory state associated with metabolic syndrome accelerates aging and contributes to a shorter lifespan (Kaur, 2014).

4. Protection Against Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):

   • Metabolic syndrome is associated with CKD, driven by hypertension, hyperglycemia, and lipid abnormalities that damage the kidneys (Peralta et al., 2006).