Despite being identified less than 20 years ago, metabolic syndrome affects nearly one out of every six Americans. This number totals out to 47 million people. The condition is becoming more common across the world, affecting 25% of adults in Europe and Latin America. Rates of the condition are also on the rise in developing East Asian countries. It is more common for older adults to be affected by the syndrome, and approximately 40% of older adults over the age of 60 are affected.