What are two key measures used to assess the risk for metabolic syndrome and heart disease?

The correct measures to assess the risk for metabolic syndrome and heart disease focus on physical attributes that indicate body fat distribution and overall weight. Assessing Body Mass Index (BMI) helps determine if an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, which can contribute to the risk of these conditions. Additionally, body shape, often evaluated by waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio, provides insight into fat distribution. For example, a higher concentration of abdominal fat is associated with a greater risk for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases.

In contrast, while blood sugar levels and cholesterol are important factors for assessing cardiovascular health, they are more about metabolic profile rather than direct measures of obesity or physical risk factors. Heart rate and blood pressure, while relevant in monitoring cardiovascular health, do not specifically indicate the presence of metabolic syndrome. Dietary habits and exercise frequency, while crucial for overall health and prevention strategies, are behavioral factors and do not provide direct physical measures for assessing the risk of these syndromes.