Introduction and definition of the metabolic syndrome

Abstract

The metabolic syndrome is a common syndrome affecting about 20% of the adult population without known diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Europe, and probably the prevalence is of the same magnitude in other industrialised countries worldwide. This syndrome, which is linked to leisure lifestyle and overeating/obesity, can develop into type 2 diabetes, CVD, cancer, gout, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), sleep apnoea and dementia and may result in increased mortality.