Autonomic dysfunction, namely increased sympathetic drive and reduced vagal tone, may participate in the pathogenesis and complications of the MetS. Weight loss and aerobic exercise are first-line therapeutic strategies that are known to be beneficial in lowering blood pressure, enhancing insulin action and preventing the development of type 2 diabetes. However, there is a paucity of data regarding their effects on sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity. In a recently completed Pilot study in 22 MS subjects we demonstrated that moderate dietary weight loss (7% of initial body weight) is associated with marked reductions in whole-body norepinephrine spillover rate (by 43%, P= 0.005) and muscle sympathetic nervous activity (MSNA, by 15%, P=0.01). In the proposed project we wish to extend these observations by evaluating the clinical benefits of aerobic exercise and weight loss maintenance.