Metabolic syndrome has a number of causes, both those that you can control (e.g. body weight and an inactive lifestyle) and those you cannot (genetics).
While many people develop metabolic syndrome by not eating well, putting on excess body fat and not exercising enough, other people are genetically prone to develop conditions such as insulin resistance.
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome:
Overweight or obese: Being overweight / obese is a strong risk factor and potential cause of metabolic syndrome. Excess fat around the waistline is particularly associated with metabolic syndrome.
Insulin resistance: Metabolic syndrome is also associated with a metabolic disorder called insulin resistance. Some people are genetically predisposed to insulin resistance.
Age: The risk of developing metabolic disease increases as you get older.
Race: Certain ethnic groups may have a greater risk of developing metabolic disease. For example, Asian and African-Caribbean people may be at greater risk than other ethnic groups.
Gender: There is conflicting evidence, with some studies showing a greater risk in men and others in women.
Family history of diabetes: Your likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome is greater if you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, or if you've had diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes).
Other health conditions: Your risk of developing metabolic syndrome is greater if you've had any form of cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart attack or stroke), fatty liver disease (excess triglycerides and other fats in the liver), gallstones, polycystic ovary syndrome (a tendency to develop cysts on the ovaries) or breathing problems during sleep such as sleep apnoea.
While all of these factors may play some role in the development of metabolic disease, a large proportion of them can be addressed through lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and weight loss. By making these changes in your life, you can prevent, manage, and even reverse metabolic syndrome.