Graphical Abstract.

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by the presence of at least three of the following signs: insulin resistance, impaired fasting glucose, central obesity, dyslipidemias and hypertension. Arsenic exposure is linked to the induction of several alterations that could be related with this condition, such as insulin resistance, beta cell dysfunction, chronic inflammation, adipose tissue dysfunction, alterations in serum lipid levels and cardiovascular alterations. Thus, we propose that arsenic should be considered as a risk factor for metabolic syndrome.