The metabolic syndrome is like an elephant, and any literary review of its importance is shamefully reduced to an examination of tusks, trunk, and tail. Evidence continues to mount that this diminutive approach is an incorrect management strategy for such a large problem. Diet and lifestyle are effective strategies, but they must effectively compete with behaviors that have instant gratification. Our society has turned its focus away from the long-term rewards of good sustainable behaviors and has instead focused on short-term rewards of unsustainable behaviors. To tame the behaviors that promote the metabolic syndrome, simple answers from diet and drug therapy will require support from society to be effective.