The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions including central obesity, low HDL-C, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and hyperglycaemia, which significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It has become a major global public health issue. Various definitions of the syndrome have been proposed, leading to confusion and inconsistency in prevalence rates. In response, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) proposed a new, globally applicable definition. This definition emphasizes central obesity, measured by waist circumference, and includes ethnic-specific cut points. It also excludes insulin resistance as a component, as other factors like waist circumference and triglycerides are highly correlated with insulin resistance. The IDF definition aims to simplify clinical use and facilitate research. It is less 'glucose-centric' and includes a fasting plasma glucose criterion. The new definition is intended to resolve previous controversies and improve identification of at-risk populations. Despite debates about the syndrome's validity and potential industry influence, the IDF definition is seen as a practical tool for identifying individuals at risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The definition is expected to help standardize research and improve public health strategies.The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions including central obesity, low HDL-C, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and hyperglycaemia, which significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It has become a major global public health issue. Various definitions of the syndrome have been proposed, leading to confusion and inconsistency in prevalence rates. In response, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) proposed a new, globally applicable definition. This definition emphasizes central obesity, measured by waist circumference, and includes ethnic-specific cut points. It also excludes insulin resistance as a component, as other factors like waist circumference and triglycerides are highly correlated with insulin resistance. The IDF definition aims to simplify clinical use and facilitate research. It is less 'glucose-centric' and includes a fasting plasma glucose criterion. The new definition is intended to resolve previous controversies and improve identification of at-risk populations. Despite debates about the syndrome's validity and potential industry influence, the IDF definition is seen as a practical tool for identifying individuals at risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The definition is expected to help standardize research and improve public health strategies.