Predictive cut-off values for the triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio to predict metabolic syndrome in the middle-aged Korean population

•Optimal TG/HDL cut-off values to predict metabolic syndrome are proposed.•Both cross-sectional and longitudinal Korean nationwide cohorts were analyzed.•TG/HDL ratio can predict MetS prevalence and occurrence.•A MetS prediction model with TG/HDL ratio as one of the predictors is recommended.