Obesity is a recognized risk factor for various cardio-metabolic diseases and several indices are used clinically to assess overall cardio-metabolic risk [1]. The metabolic syndrome, which is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, peripheral artery disease, stroke and total mortality [2–5], was defined by the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) as at least three of the five conditions – central obesity (as defined by men waist circumference > 40 in. or women waist circumference > 35 in.), raised triglycerides (above 150 mg/DL or on treatment), reduce HDL (below 40 mg/DL for men or 50 mg/DL for women), raised blood pressure (above 130/85mmHG or on treatment) and abnormal fasting plasma glucose (above 110 mg/DL or on treatment) [6].