Metabolic Syndrome: Do You Meet 3 of 5 Criteria?
Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when 3 of 5 criteria are met. Most people do not know they qualify — and the cardiovascular risk doubles.
Dr. YMD Team
25 March 2025
What Is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is not a single disease but a cluster of interconnected metabolic abnormalities that dramatically increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes.
The 5 Criteria (Need 3 of 5)
| Criterion | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Waist circumference | ≥ 90 cm (men) or ≥ 80 cm (women) — Asian criteria |
| Triglycerides | ≥ 150 mg/dL |
| HDL cholesterol | < 40 mg/dL (men) or < 50 mg/dL (women) |
| Blood pressure | ≥ 130/85 mmHg |
| Fasting glucose | ≥ 100 mg/dL |
The Common Thread: Insulin Resistance
All 5 criteria share a common root cause — insulin resistance. When cells become resistant to insulin:
- Visceral fat accumulates (waist circumference rises)
- Liver overproduces triglycerides
- HDL drops as triglycerides rise
- Blood pressure increases due to sodium retention
- Glucose regulation deteriorates
Why It Matters
Meeting 3 of 5 criteria means:
- 2× risk of cardiovascular disease
- 5× risk of Type 2 diabetes
- Increased risk of fatty liver, PCOS, and certain cancers
- Accelerated biological aging
Prevalence in India
Studies estimate 25-35% of urban Indian adults meet criteria for metabolic syndrome, with rates rising sharply after age 35.
The Metabolic Score Approach
At YMD, we calculate your Metabolic Syndrome Score (0-5) based on how many criteria you meet, plus additional markers like HOMA-IR, HbA1c, and liver enzymes for a complete picture.
Reversal Is Possible
Metabolic syndrome is not a life sentence. With targeted intervention:
- Address insulin resistance as the root cause
- Optimize each criterion individually
- Track progress with regular lab monitoring
- Most patients can reduce their score by 2-3 points in 3-6 months
Get Your Full Assessment
Book a Metabolic & Longevity Review for a comprehensive evaluation of all metabolic syndrome criteria plus advanced markers.
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