1. The definition of metabolic syndrome is complex. Is there an easier way to determine the diagnosis? There is another way to understand the risk of metabolic syndrome: weight. This is because all of the above risk factors for metabolic syndrome increase when a patient’s weight is higher than the “ideal” value. Of course, people are different, and so are their body types. Some people are just “bigger” than others, and taller people certainly weigh more than shorter ones. To overcome this difference, a height-adjusted weight formula is applied: Body Mass Index (BMI) = weight (kg) / height (m) squared). If a patient suspects that he or she has metabolic syndrome, there is no need to go to a hospital or clinic for scientific measurements, as several well-designed clinical studies have shown: simple and easy, home measurements can also predict the risk of heart disease: waist circumference. All a patient has to do is measure his or her waist circumference at the level of the belly button with a soft ruler. If the waist circumference is greater than 35 inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm) for women and 40 inches for men, the patient is at the same increased risk of heart disease and death. Measuring waist circumference can help track the progress of diet therapy and exercise – abdominal fat loss is faster than weight loss. 2. What should I do if I have metabolic syndrome? Regardless of the method used to determine metabolic syndrome, patients have a substantially increased risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease than those without metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is not the same as “needing to lose some weight”. Metabolic syndrome means that theoretically the patient is at increased risk for heart disease and even death. The good news is that metabolic syndrome is a modifiable set of risk factors, and both the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome can be changed through medication and lifestyle changes. Diet, regular aerobic metabolic exercise and weight reduction are important. Similarly, abnormalities in blood pressure and lipid metabolism associated with the metabolic syndrome and the associated metabolic syndrome respond well to drug therapy. If suffering from metabolic syndrome, patients should focus on and improve such abnormalities.