Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a growing public health problem and is defined by the presence of at least three of five diagnostic criteria, which include impaired glucose metabolism, abdominal obesity, hypertension, high levels of triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. MetS increases the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease (CVD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this review, we describe the effects of diet, physical activity and natural remedies on the prevention and treatment of MetS, performing a literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar. The results of this work show that the Mediterranean diet, the energy-restricted Mediterranean diet and the healthy diet are promising dietary strategies for treating and preventing MetS. Other diets include the fat-modified diet, the carbohydrate-modified diet, the high-protein diet, intermittent fasting and the plant-based diet. Physical activity has beneficial effects on MetS, alone or in combination with a proper diet and natural remedies. Finally, natural remedies, such as unsaturated fatty acids, resveratrol, artichoke, berberine, probiotics and prebiotics, garlic, curcumin and pomegranate, may be helpful for the prevention and treatment of this condition. The results of many scientific studies described in this work should be confirmed. This review shows that diet, physical activity and natural remedies are effective in preventing and treating MetS.

Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, Treatment, Diet, Physical activity, Natural remedies.

Impact statement: Diet, physical activity and natural remedies are promising strategies for preventing and treating metabolic syndrome (MetS).