Metabolic syndrome

is a number of conditions that occur together, which increase the risk of

heart disease

,

stroke

and type 2 diabetes. Factors of metabolic syndrome include increased

blood pressure

,

high blood sugar

, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal

cholesterol

or

triglyceride

levels. Metabolic syndrome is increasingly common in the Western world.

Abdominal obesity

is the most frequently observed component of metabolic syndrome. Aggressive lifestyle changes can delay or even prevent the development of serious health problems including

Coronary Heart Disease

,

cerebrovascular disease

, stroke and heart attack. Primary care doctor will oversee first line treatment of lifestyle changes including regular exercise, eating a healthy diet to promote

weight loss

and to lower blood pressure. Quitting

smoking

if you are a smoker is essential. Medication is often prescribed for high blood pressure and high cholesterol and to manage

diabetes

. Prevention of

obesity

and metabolic syndrome is achieved by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.