Need for lifestyle intervention: how to begin.

The metabolic syndrome is the fastest growing disease entity in the world. Prevention and effective treatment emphasize lifestyle intervention, including healthful diet, physical activity, and pharmacologic agents to target specific risk factors. Weight loss improves all aspects of the metabolic syndrome and is a primary intervention target. Effective weight management also helps prevent the development of the metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle change strategies--including setting reasonable goals, raising awareness, confronting barriers to change, managing stress, cognitive restructuring, preventing relapse, and providing support--are the keys to long-term success.