Philadelphia Fire Department Practice Exam

Risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome X include all of the following EXCEPT?

1. Abdominal obesity

2. Hypertension

3. Physical inactivity

4. Inability to effectively use glucose

The correct answer is: Physical inactivity

Metabolic Syndrome X, also known simply as Metabolic Syndrome, is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The risk factors generally associated with this syndrome include abdominal obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance, which is essentially the body’s inability to effectively use glucose. While physical inactivity is a contributing factor to the development of metabolic syndrome, the question specifically asks for a risk factor that is not associated with it. In this case, the other risk factors listed—abdominal obesity, hypertension, and the inability to effectively use glucose—are all well-documented and directly linked to the syndrome. Abdominal obesity represents excess fat around the waist, which is a significant indicator of metabolic problems. Hypertension reflects increased blood pressure, often a result of increased body fat and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance, or the inability to effectively use glucose, is a core component of metabolic syndrome as it leads to higher blood sugar levels and further health complications. On the other hand, while physical inactivity is certainly a factor that can contribute to the onset of Metabolic Syndrome, it is not classified as a direct risk factor in the same way that the other three conditions are recognized. This makes it the