Which parameter is indicative of metabolic syndrome in a patient?

A waist measurement of 36 inches is indicative of metabolic syndrome because central obesity is a key diagnostic criterion for this condition. For men, a waist circumference greater than 40 inches and for women, greater than 35 inches, is a significant risk factor. This measurement reflects the distribution of body fat and is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, a waist measurement of 36 inches suggests that the individual may be at higher risk as it suggests central obesity, which is a defining feature of metabolic syndrome.

In contrast, while triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar are important metabolic markers, they do not necessarily meet the criteria for metabolic syndrome on their own in this context. For instance, a triglyceride level of 140 mg/dL is elevated but does not exceed the threshold of 150 mg/dL that is typically used to indicate a risk for metabolic syndrome. Similarly, a blood pressure reading of 128/84 is within the normal range for most adults and does not reflect hypertension, a component of metabolic syndrome. Lastly, a fasting blood sugar of 108 mg/dL is elevated but does not reach the criteria for diabetes or metabolic syndrome, which is generally when fasting blood sugar exceeds