Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions related to the body’s metabolism. These conditions include excess body fat (particularly abdominal obesity); elevated triglycerides, blood pressure, and blood sugar; and low HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol).

Metabolic syndrome is closely linked to insulin resistance, in which the body cannot use insulin properly.

Metabolic syndrome increases the risk for coronary artery disease (CAD), even beyond that caused by high LDL cholesterol alone. Weight loss and increased physical activity can reduce the risk for metabolic syndrome.