Which syndrome is defined by central obesity, hypertension, elevated glucose, high triglycerides, and low HDL?

• A. Syndrome X
• B. Obesity syndrome
• C. Metabolic syndrome
• D. Lipid disorder

Answer: (C)

This cluster of findings is metabolic syndrome. It arises from insulin resistance and reflects a pro-atherogenic, pro-inflammatory state driven by excess central (abdominal) fat. When central obesity is present along with hypertension, elevated fasting glucose, high triglycerides, and low HDL, the risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease increases far more than with any single factor alone. Though older terms like Syndrome X have been used, metabolic syndrome is the standard label for this combination of metabolic abnormalities. The other choices describe narrower concepts (obesity alone, a lipids-focused disorder) or use a less precise/obsolete term, so they don’t capture the full clinical picture.