What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of one or more conditions that occur together. Persons who have metabolic syndrome have an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The conditions associated with metabolic syndrome include:

• blood pressure,
• high blood sugar
• excess body fat around the waist
• abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels

Metabolic syndrome increases time to pregnancy

Studies have shown that it takes women with metabolic syndrome a longer time to get pregnant. 

Metabolic syndrome negatively affects pregnancy outcomes

Women who have metabolic syndrome before they get pregnant tend to have increased complications before, during, and after pregnancy, as well as during the postpartum period. Obesity is an independent risk factor for

• diabetes
• fetal and neonatal macrosomia
• cesarean section
• pregnancy-induced hypertension
• preterm delivery
• intrauterine growth restriction
• congenital malformation
• intrauterine fetal death

Metabolic syndrome increases infertility in men

Studies have shown that men with metabolic syndrome have decreased fertility. Adopting a healthy lifestyle appears to be the single most important intervention to prevent the unwanted effects of metabolic syndrome on men's health and fertility.