The metabolic fitness program: lifestyle modification for the metabolic syndrome using the resources of cardiac rehabilitation.

Purpose: To describe and assess the effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention program (Met Fit) designed to treat the metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) in a cardiac rehabilitation setting.

Methods: Met Fit is a physician referred and patient pay ($350) program consisting of 12 weekly sessions of 45 minutes of exercise and 45 minutes of education with target exercise recommendations of 150 to 200 minutes weekly and 5% loss in body weight using a Mediterranean-style diet. Primary outcomes are compliance with program recommendations and secondary outcomes effecting MetSyn components.