The role of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MS) can be characterised by a group of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, related to central fat distribution and insulin resistance. Obesity is growing rapidly and is directly related to MetS and some of its complications include type II diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension. Treatment for MetS is based mainly on lifestyle changes to reduce weight and, if necessary, drug therapy to treat hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia, as these are considered risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD).