Table 2.

Criteria for diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome as defined by the NCEP⁵ and more recent proposals from the IDF⁶.

	Defining level
Risk factor	NCEP proposals: any three features	IDF proposals: large waist plus two other features
Large waist circumference
Men	≥102 cm (40 in)	≥94 cm (37 in)
Women	≥88 cm (35 in)	≥80 cm (32 in)
Raised triglycerides	≥1.7 mmol/L (150 mg/dL)	≥1.7 mmol/L (150 mg/dL)
Reduced HDL cholesterol
Men	<1.03 mmol/L (40 mg/dL)	<1.03 mmol/L (40 mg/dL)
Women	<1.29 mmol/L (50 mg/dL)	<1.29 mmol/L (50 mg/dL)
Raised blood pressure	≥130/≥85 mmHg	≥130/≥85 mmHg
Raised fasting plasma glucose	≥6.1 mmol/L (110 mg/dL)	≥5.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL)

Note: All individual components are below treatment thresholds, but combined in the metabolic syndrome, coronary heart disease risk is doubled. If body mass index ≥30 kg/m² then assume waist circumference is above treatment level.