Metabolic syndrome is also known as “insulin resistance syndrome” or “syndrome X”. It occurs in patients with several disorders at the same time, such as elevated blood sugars, hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, and obesity or a large abdominal girth. These conditions affect how the body burns calories and uses insulin, which helps the body use or store glucose from food. At least one in five overweight people have metabolic syndrome. They are at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and early death.