Metabolic Syndrome Calculator
Determine whether you meet the criteria for metabolic syndrome using the harmonised NCEP ATP III definition — three or more of five components involving waist, triglycerides, HDL, blood pressure, and glucose.
Formula & Reference
| Variable | Symbol | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metabolic Syndrome Calculator | — | Metabolic syndrome = 3 or more of 5 criteria met | criteria met |
Step-by-Step Examples
Male, waist 92 cm, TG 120, HDL 48, BP 122/78, glucose 92.
- Waist below 102 cm ✗
- Triglycerides below 150 ✗
- HDL above 40 ✗
- BP below 130/85 ✗, glucose below 100 ✗
- 0 of 5 criteria met
Female, waist 94 cm, TG 175, HDL 42, BP 128/82, glucose 104.
- Waist ≥ 88 cm ✓
- Triglycerides ≥ 150 ✓
- HDL < 50 for women ✓
- BP below threshold ✗
- Glucose ≥ 100 ✓
- 4 of 5 criteria met
Male, waist 104 cm, TG 145, HDL 44, BP 132/84, glucose 98.
- Waist ≥ 102 cm ✓
- Triglycerides just under 150 ✗
- HDL above 40 ✗
- Systolic ≥ 130 ✓
- Glucose below 100 ✗
- 2 of 5 criteria met
Real-World Applications
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The harmonised definition specifies population-specific waist cutoffs. South Asian, Chinese, and Japanese populations have substantially lower thresholds than those used for Europeans.
Both criteria require a fasting sample. Non-fasting triglycerides in particular can be markedly higher and produce a false positive.
Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor cluster, not a discrete diagnosis. Its value is in prompting attention to modifiable factors, not in labelling.