The metabolic syndrome should be suspected in individuals with a BMI equal to or greater than which value?

The metabolic syndrome is a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors that includes obesity, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 kg/m² is recognized as a threshold where the risk for developing these conditions increases significantly.

Individuals with a BMI of 25 kg/m² or higher fall into the overweight or obese categories, which are established indicators of potential metabolic issues. At this level, the risk of associated conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension becomes more prevalent, prompting healthcare professionals to consider the presence of metabolic syndrome.

This recognition is critical because early identification of at-risk individuals can facilitate interventions that may prevent progression to full-blown metabolic syndrome or related diseases. Therefore, a BMI of 25 kg/m² is a key marker for suspicion of metabolic syndrome and forms an important part of the initial assessment for those at risk.