Figure 2. Simplified hypothetical diagram of the metabolic syndrome. At the top, environmental and genetic factors and their interactions contribute to the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome. Overnight, especially in the presence of other risk factors, leads to abdomianl obesity and ectopic fat deposition with conseqent insuline resistance. On the left, other core components of the metabolic syndrome. On the right, various conditions or processes related to the metabolic syndrome. At the bottom, type 2 diabetes and CVD as end-stage consequences of the metabolic syndrome. HDL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. TG, triglyceride. Apo, apolipoprotein. LDL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. CVD, cardiovascular disease.