What characterizes metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a cluster of conditions that increase the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Key elements of metabolic syndrome include low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is known as "good" cholesterol, and elevated fasting blood sugar levels. Low HDL cholesterol is indicative of an unhealthy lipid profile, while high fasting blood sugar points toward insulin resistance, which is a central feature of metabolic syndrome.

The combination of these two factors, along with others such as high blood pressure and increased waist circumference, collectively define metabolic syndrome. Recognizing the presence of low HDL levels and high fasting blood sugar is crucial for identifying individuals at heightened risk for serious health consequences.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the full scope of metabolic syndrome characteristics. Excessive protein consumption does not directly define metabolic syndrome, while high blood pressure alone is insufficient since it requires additional factors to meet the criteria for the syndrome. Lastly, stating that only two risk factors define it overlooks the established criteria, which generally include three or more risk factors for diagnosing metabolic syndrome.