Medically Reviewed By
MBBS (Col) · MD (Col) · SLMC No. 27329
This tool uses the 2009 JIS harmonized criteria for metabolic syndrome. Results are for educational guidance only and do not replace clinical assessment.
Check whether common risk factors tend to occur together
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that occur together and significantly increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and fatty liver disease. It is not a single disease — it is a pattern of risk factors.
Each individual abnormality — raised triglycerides, low HDL, high blood pressure, increased waist size, elevated blood glucose — already carries some health risk on its own. When three or more occur together, the combined effect is substantially greater. People with metabolic syndrome are approximately twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease and five times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those without it.
Metabolic syndrome is common and often goes undetected. Many people are unaware that their waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL, blood pressure or blood sugar fall outside normal ranges. Routine check-ups and awareness are important.
This tool uses the 2009 Joint Interim Statement (JIS) harmonised criteria, which are the most widely accepted international standard. Diagnosis requires three or more of the following five criteria to be present:
| Criterion | Cut-off |
|---|---|
| Increased waist circumference | ≥90 cm (men) · ≥80 cm (women) — South Asian cutoffs |
| Elevated triglycerides | ≥150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) — or on treatment |
| Reduced HDL cholesterol | <40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) in men · <50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) in women |
| Elevated blood pressure | Systolic ≥130 or Diastolic ≥85 mmHg — or on treatment |
| Elevated fasting glucose | ≥100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) — or diagnosed diabetes |
South Asian cutoffs for waist circumference are lower than Western cutoffs because South Asians tend to accumulate visceral (abdominal) fat at lower waist measurements, and this fat is more metabolically harmful.
If your result shows that three or more criteria are met, this does not mean you have been diagnosed with a disease. It means that this pattern of risk factors is present and is associated with increased risk of diabetes, fatty liver disease and heart disease. Medical review is recommended so that each abnormality can be properly assessed and managed.
If fewer than three criteria are met, this does not mean there is no health concern. Each individual abnormality may still require attention. If any single result is abnormal, discuss it with your doctor.
In many people, metabolic health can be improved through lifestyle measures. Weight reduction — particularly loss of abdominal fat — often improves multiple criteria simultaneously. Regular physical activity, reduced intake of refined carbohydrates and added sugars, limiting alcohol, and a diet rich in vegetables, legumes and whole grains are all beneficial. Where lifestyle measures are insufficient, doctors may recommend medications for specific abnormalities such as high triglycerides, high blood pressure or elevated blood glucose.
Common questions about metabolic syndrome and this tool, answered by Sineth Hospitals.