DOES Syndrome X sound like a strange disease? "X", of course, has always represented the unknown and scientists used "X" when the syndrome was first recognized in 1988.

But today, one in every eight Chinese adults is suffering from the syndrome, according to the latest estimates by medical experts, although the now common disorder is often ignored.

Syndrome X, or Metabolic Syndrome, is identified by the presence of three or all four of the following symptoms: obesity, high blood pressure, hyperglycemia and hyperkipemia.

People with the syndrome are at increased risk of coronary heart disease, other diseases related to plaque build-ups in artery walls (such as strokes and peripheral vascular diseases) and Type 2 diabetes.

"The risks of such diseases for such patients could be twice or even three times those of normal people," said Xiang Kunshang, professor and chairman of the Chinese Diabetes Society.

Diabetes researchers from the country's eight major medical universities and institutes have recently drafted a set of criteria for diagnosing Metabolic Syndrome during a recent national diabetes conference held in Shanghai.

"The World Health Organization and Western countries have mapped out worldwide diagnosis criteria but this new one is specially designed for China based on our unique physical conditions," Xiang explained.

For example, obesity problems are less obvious among Chinese as their excessive fat tissue is usually hidden in the abdominal region which is called central obesity. However, this type of obesity are more harmful than other types as patients have more risky to develop diabetes and other disease.

A survey by Xiang on 690 individuals in Shanghai shows that about 17 per cent of men and 11 per cent of women are diagnosed as central obesity patients even if their BMIs are normal between 18 to 15 kg per squre metres.

"The clinical use is of significant importance in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes," said Xiang.

Some good news is that the syndrome can be easily avoided. One can be protected against Syndrome X by modifying one's lifestyle.

"The best and simple way is to take in less energy (food), to do more exercise and to relax because nervous moods may influence the metabolism. And take necessary drugs under medical guidance," said Professor Xiang Hongding of the Beijing-based Concord Hospital.

Doctors also warned Chinese not to eat too much Western-style food to prevent the syndrome since they would accumulate more fat than Westerners due to genetic differences.