Which combination of conditions is associated with metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The correct combination, which includes obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance, aligns with the defining criteria of metabolic syndrome.

Obesity is often measured by the presence of excess visceral fat, which significantly contributes to insulin resistance—a state where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is another major component, as it is commonly associated with increased cardiovascular risk in individuals with obesity and insulin resistance. Together, these conditions aggravate one another and are pivotal in the development of metabolic syndrome.

The other conditions presented in the options do not encapsulate the defining elements of metabolic syndrome. While obesity and liver disease can be related, they do not encompass the complete criteria for metabolic syndrome. High cholesterol and sleep apnea may occur together but are not the classic triad associated with metabolic syndrome. Similarly, low HDL cholesterol and anxiety are not sufficient to define this syndrome as they lack the crucial elements of obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance that are central to its diagnosis. Thus, the combination of obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance is the hallmark of metabolic syndrome.