"280 A Large Waistline Having a large waistline means that you carry excess weight around your waist (abdominal obesity). This is also called having an “apple - shaped” figure. Your doctor will measure your waist to find out whether you have a large waistline. A waist measurement of 35 inches or more for women or 40 inches or more for men is a metabolic risk factor. A large waistline means you’re at increased risk for heart disease and other health problems. A High Triglyceride Level Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. A triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL or highe r (or being on medicine to treat high triglycerides) is a metabolic risk factor. (The mg/dL is milligrams per deciliter — the units used to measure triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood sugar.) A Low HDL Cholesterol Level HDL cholesterol sometimes is called “good” cholesterol. This is because it helps remove cholesterol from your arteries. An HDL cholesterol level of less than 50 mg/dL for women and less than 40 mg/dL for men (or being on medicine to treat low HDL cholesterol) is a metabolic risk factor. High Blood Pressure A blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg or higher (or being on medicine to treat high blood pressure) is a metabolic risk factor. (The mmHg is millimeters of mercury — the units used to measure blood pressure.) If only one of your two blood pressure numbers is high, you’re still at risk for metabolic syndrome. High Fasting Blood Sugar A normal fasting blood sugar level is less than 100 mg/dL. A fasting blood sugar level between 100 – 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetes. A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher is considered diabetes. A fasting blood sugar level of 100 mg/dL or higher (or being on medicine to treat high blood sugar) is a metabolic risk factor. About 85 percent of people who have type 2 diabetes — the most common type of diabetes — also have metabolic syndrome. These people have a much higher risk for heart"