A risk factor is something that raises a person's chances of getting a disease or health problem. A person can have metabolic syndrome with or without the risks below. The more risks a person has, the greater the chances are.
Metabolic syndrome is more common in people aged 60 years and older.
Other things that raise the risk are:
- Being overweight or obese—especially belly fat
- Getting little or no exercise
- A diet high in sugar, fats, and calories
- Smoking
- Excess alcohol intake
- Certain medicines such as those to treat mental health problems
- Family history of diabetes of metabolic syndrome
References
Metabolic syndrome in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/metabolic-syndrome-in-adults. Accessed April 11, 2022.
Metabolic syndrome. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/nutritional-disorders/obesity-and-the-metabolic-syndrome/metabolic-syndrome. April 11, 2022
Metabolic syndrome. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/metabolic-syndrome. Accessed April 11, 2022.
Prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome. American Heart Association website. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/metabolic-syndrome/prevention-and-treatment-of-metabolic-syndrome. Accessed April 11, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD
- Update Date: 04/11/2022