disorders of nutrition
Metabolic Syndrome
Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome
Waist circumference Blood pressure measurement Blood tests to measure sugar and fat (lipid) levels after fasting Waist circumference should be measured in all people because even people who are not overweight or appear lean can store excess fat in the abdomen. The greater the waist circumference, the higher the risk of metabolic syndrome and its complications. The waist circumference that increases risk of complications due to obesity varies by ethnic group and sex. If waist circumference is high, doctors should measure blood pressure and blood sugar and fat levels after fasting. Levels of both blood sugar and fats are often abnormal. Metabolic syndrome has many different definitions, but it is most often diagnosed when the waist circumference is 40 inches (102 centimeters) or more in men or 35 inches (88 centimeters) or more in women (indicating excess fat in the abdomen) and when people have or are being treated for two or more of the following: A fasting blood sugar level of 100 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or higher Blood pressure of 130/85 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) or higher A fasting blood triglyceride (a fat) level of 150 mg/dL or higher A high density lipoprotein (HDL—the good) cholesterol level of less than 40 mg/dL for men or less than 50 mg/dL for women 