The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing worldwide, especially among the elderly. Due to multiple age-related physiologic mechanisms, the elderly are at increased risk of developing intra-abdominal obesity and the metabolic syndrome, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Although you're much more likely to have metabolic syndrome if you're overweight or obese, you can have it even if you have a normal weight. The most important risk factor is the amount of fat around your abdomen, called visceral fat. ... Components of metabolic syndrome also lead to insulin resistance. The optimal approach for preventing the Metabolic Syndrome is to lose excess weight with regular exercise and a diet, like the Pritikin Eating Plan, that focuses on foods that are low in calorie density and naturally high in fiber and nutrients, including whole-grain foods like hot cereals, corn, whole-wheat pasta