**2.5 Criteria for metabolic syndrome**

Metabolic syndrome (MS) was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III modified criteria and required fulfillment of at least three of the following five components: body mass index (BMI) ≥ 28.5 kgm2, triglycerides ≥ 1.7 mmol/L, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (c-HDL) < 1.1 mmol/L (in men) and < 0.9 mmol/L (in women), blood pressure ≥ 130 ⁄85 mmHg and fasting glucose (≥ 6.1 mmol/L) (National Cholesterol Education Program, 2002).
