Risk factors

The following factors increase your chances of having metabolic syndrome:

• Age. Your risk of metabolic syndrome increases with age.
• Ethnicity. In the United States, Hispanics — especially Hispanic women — appear to be at the greatest risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The reasons for this are not entirely clear.
• Obesity. Carrying too much weight, especially in your abdomen, increases your risk of metabolic syndrome.
• Diabetes. You're more likely to have metabolic syndrome if you had diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or if you have a family history of type 2 diabetes.
• Other diseases. Your risk of metabolic syndrome is higher if you've ever had nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome or sleep apnea.