In general, excess weight and lack of activity can lead to metabolic syndrome, but there are five specific factors that can put you at risk for it.

• Having a large waistline compared to hip circumference
• Low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol
• High triglyceride levels
• High levels of blood sugar
• High blood pressure

The good news is that with dietary changes and exercise you can reverse metabolic syndrome. Since the risk for metabolic syndrome increases with age, it is critical to modify your child or teenager’s lifestyle habits as early as possible. Here are top aspects you should know about metabolic syndrome:

Review Your Family History

Your genetic makeup is part of the risk factors, so if one of your close relatives has had diabetes or heart disease, your child or teen could be at elevated risk for metabolic syndrome.

Your Body Shape Matters

Where you “wear” your fat matters: If your child looks more like an apple than a pear, the risk of developing metabolic syndrome is greater. Carrying weight around the middle is an indication of excess visceral fat, a key risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers.

Be Mindful What You Drink

Fruit juices, sports drinks and sugary soda beverages can spike your child’s blood sugar levels. Water is the best beverage for healthy hydration. And it’s good to know that unsweet tea, coffee, skim or low-fat milk, and fruits and vegetables provide water without extra calories, too.