That's Just Great: ANOTHER Epidemic to Worry About!
Metabolic Syndrome affects nearly four of every 10 adults in the U.S., yet most people aren't familiar with it. The syndrome itself is without symptoms. The problem is that Metabolic Syndrome increases your risk of type 2 diabetes by five-fold, and doubles your risk of developing cardiovascular disease - heart attacks, strokes, poor circulation - over the next five to 10 years.
"How would I know if I have Metabolic Syndrome?"
Your doctor might tell you, or you can determine it yourself if you know some of your lab values and blood pressure. The syndrome is defined simply by the presence of at least three of the following five criteria:
- Waist circumference over 102 cm (40 inches) in men, or over 88 cm (35 inches) in women
- Serum triglycerides over 150 mg/dl (or already on drug therapy for high triglycerides)
- HDL cholesterol under 40 mg/dl (men) or under 50 mg/dl (women) (or on already on drug therapy for low HDL)
- Systolic blood pressure over 130 mmHg and/or diastolic over 85 (systolic is the first or top number) (or already on drug therapy for high blood pressure)
- Fasting blood glucose level over 100 mg/dl (or already on drug therapy for elevated glucose)
Some physicians argue that there's no reason to label someone as "Metabolic Syndrome." Others feel that the moniker has helpful therapeutic impact. The can say, "Look, Mr. Johnson, I care about you and your future health. Since you have Metabolic Syndrome, over the next decade you have a five-fold increased risk of diabetes and double the risk of heart disease. Let's talk about how we might reduce that risk before it's too late."
"How can I prevent or even treat Metabolic Syndrome?"
Work with your personal physician, of course. And consider the following information available at NutritionData:
- Lose excess fat weight
- Start exercising regularly
- Low-glycemic-index eating increases HDL cholesterol, lowers triglycerides and blood sugar, and reduces risk of type 2 diabetes
- The DASH diet lowers blood pressure
-Steve Parker, M.D.
Disclaimer: All matters regarding your health require supervision by a personal physician or other appropriate health professional familiar with your current health status. Always consult your personal physician before making any dietary or exercise changes.
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Posted by: Joseph Gentzel | Oct 23, 2009 11:29:33 AM
Metabolic Syndrome is not a new disorder, but rather its a group of well known disorders that are put together and named. It is caused from a long standing chronic inflammatory condition in the body triggered by our high Omega 6 and high inflammatory diet that actually begins in Utero now that a couple generations of mothers are eating the high Omega 6 and inflammatory diets.
It and all its symptoms can be treated by bringing the Omega 6 to Omega 3 ration back down to at least 4 to 1 and making sure it is a high antinflammatory diet. The exercise can help some, but the critical needed remedy is the diet. Suppliments can help achieve the Omega 6 to Omega 3 ration needed.
Posted by: Dave | Nov 6, 2009 9:37:15 AM
"Lose excess fat weight" - it seems to be increasingly evident that excess fat is a symptom of metabolic syndrome, not a cause, That would explain why a significant fraction (1/3? I forget) of patients are not obese.
Posted by: Brian Hildebrand | Nov 6, 2009 9:38:28 AM
I like the ideas of working with a physician and reviewing the resources on NutritionData to get a better understanding of the correct nutrition plan for one’s goals.
I do believe a proper calorie deficit essential over arching need to reduce all five syndrome definition criterion. That is, a proper calorie deficit relative to total energy expenditure. Put simply, calories count, even if we don’t count them. Set a safe goal of reducing body weight by 0.8% per week, and then adjust exercise (cardio and resistance) and caloric intake as necessary to meet the goal. We don’t have to count calories, but if you are not meeting your goals, then the unknown calorie intake (or miss-measured calories) derail your ability to determine if you need to adjust calories or exercise. Creating a balanced menu for the week, with portions calculated and measured by weight, frames a solid nutrition plan by which results can be measured. Much can be said, much more is lost in comment like this. Cheers.
Posted by: Katy Green | Nov 7, 2009 8:29:30 PM
The link on the ND home page says "4 out of 5" and the article itself says "nearly 4 of every 10". Am I missing something or is that a typo?
