Abdominal fat causes inflammation and osteoporosis. So the metabolic syndrome is associated with bone thinning as well as insulin resistance, hypertension, elevated triglycerides and fat storage. It is very important to avoid sugar, especially high fructose corn syrup, and to exercise to lose abdominal fat. Lifestyle is important medicine.
Addendum:
Since this audio was made we've learned more about the two kinds of fat, white and brown fat. We now know that brown fat is primarily used to produce heat and white fat is used to do metabolic work. White fat around the abdomen is what sets the stage for the metabolic syndrome.
