The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of lifestyle counseling on metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence in the short term. This was a before-after study design conducted in a nutrition outpatient clinic. Participants were adults presenting with MetS according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. In the study 109 individuals (mean age 41 ± 9.6 years old) were included, the majority women (82,6%). Participants received individualized dietary prescription guidelines for healthy eating and were encouraged to perform physical activity. After five months, a decrease of 21.5% in the prevalence of MetS (p<0,001) was observed Significant mean reductions (p<0,001) in bodyweight (3.5 ± 3.4 Kg), waist circumference (4.0 ± 4.0 cm), triglycerides (33.8 ± 69.6 mg/dl) and fasting glucose we observed (6.6 ± 18.3 mg/dl), while HDL cholesterol showed an increase (2.6 ± 6.1mg/ dl, p<0,001). We conclude that lifestyle counseling consisting of individualized nutritional guidance through a balanced diet, physical activity promotion and change in lifestyle can reduce the prevalence of MetS in the short term.