Metabolic syndrome has many different definitions, but it is most often diagnosed when ≥ 3 of the following are present (see table Criteria Often Used for Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome): Excess abdominal fat A high fasting plasma glucose level Hypertension A high triglyceride level A low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level Table Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome Healthy diet and exercise Sometimes metformin Management of cardiovascular risk factors Optimally, the management approach results in weight loss based on a healthy diet and regular physical activity, which includes a combination of aerobic activity and resistance training, reinforced with behavioral therapy.