Which component is NOT part of the metabolic syndrome criteria?

The characteristic that is not part of the metabolic syndrome criteria is decreased waist circumference. Metabolic syndrome is defined by a constellation of risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Key components of this syndrome generally include an increased waist circumference, which indicates abdominal obesity, alongside other factors such as elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemia (high triglycerides and low HDL), and elevated fasting glucose levels.

For metabolic syndrome, an increased waist circumference is indicative of visceral fat accumulation, which is associated with greater health risks. Conversely, a decreased waist circumference would imply a lower amount of abdominal fat, which is not a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the presence of decreased waist circumference does not fit the criteria used to diagnose metabolic syndrome.