To evaluate two different diets and their effects on weight loss and measurements of several risk factors for cardiovascular disease. One diet will be a high saturated fat diet (HSFD) and the other is a low saturated fat diet (LSFD) that limits fat but especially saturated fat as red meat. All participants in this study must eat both diets as this is a randomized cross-over design.

Inclusion Criteria:

In order to qualify, participants must have metabolic syndrome:

• triglycerides greater than 150 mg/dL
• blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure greater than 85 mmHg
• fasting glucose greater than 110 mg/dL
• waist circumference greater than 40 inches in men or 35 inches in women
• reduced HDL less than 40 mg/dL in men and less than 50 mg/dL in women. Participants must be capable of performing symptom-limited maximal exercise capacity study. Blood and urine samples collected at baseline will be analyzed for CBC, serum glucose and electrolytes, hepatic panel and TSH.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants will be excluded for any significant blood dyscrasia, fasting glucose greater than 200 mg/dL, creatine greater than 2 mg/dL, any significant electrolyte disorder, hepatic functions greater than two times normal or abnormal TSH.