Background Central obesity has a higher risk of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular diseases. It is estimated by measuring waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), which are operator-dependent. The present study aimed to validate a body composition monitor (BCM) as a tool for estimating visceral adipose tissue (VAT), as well as to assess its capacity to predict the MetS and its correlation with anthropometric parameters. Methods We measured WC, WHR and body mass index (BMI) in 60 recruited subjects. BCM estimated VAT (1–30 points). Body composition and resting energy expenditure (REE) were compared with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and indirect calorimetry, respectively. VAT was estimated by BCM (range 1–30 points), We evaluated the capability of VAT, WC, BMI and WHR to predict the MetS by ATP-III criteria. Results The mean (SD) age of subjects was 36.8 (12.9) years, 80% were female, and 47% had the MetS. Body composition and REE estimated by BCM had a significant correlation with BIA (r = 0.85–0.91, P
