Managing Metabolic Syndrome: Focus on Physical Activity

Metabolic syndrome is a target for intervention to prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing, and the adverse health outcomes and economic consequences are substantial. Physical activity is the single most effective strategy to reduce cardiometabolic risk. The individual benefits of physical activity are maximized by adherence and long-term maintenance, although this is often difficult to achieve. Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a key role in promoting physical activity as first-line therapy. NPs must be aware of the current evidence supporting various approaches for physical activity adherence and maintenance over time to achieve the desired outcomes.