Effects of Nature and Forest Therapy in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Inclusion Criteria: * Definition of Metabolic Syndrome according to the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF): * waist circumference: at least 94 cm for men, at least 80 cm for women * plus at least two of the following risk factors: * fasting blood glucose levels of \> 100 mg/dl (\> 5.6 mmol/l) measured in blood plasma or diagnosed diabetes mellitus * elevated triglycerides \> 150 mg/dl (\> 1.7 mmol/l) or therapy already initiated to lower triglycerides * low HDL cholesterol: \< 40 mg/dl (\< 1.05 mmol/l) in men and \< 50 mg/dl (\< 1.25 mmol/l) in women or already initiated therapy to increase HDL * Hypertension (from \> 130 mmHg systolic and \> 85 mmHg diastolic) or already treated hypertension Exclusion Criteria: * Serious acute or chronic illnesses * Immobility or limitation of mobility due to orthopedic, neurological or other medical cause * Participation in another study * Serious mental illness * Pregnancy and lactation