Should I be Concerned About Metabolic Syndrome?

Its no secret that people who carry excess weight also carry an increased risk for various health problems including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and even certain cancers.  Some overweight people develop a health condition known as Metabolic Syndrome. It is a combination of medical disorders commonly seen in overweight individuals. People who develop metabolic syndrome have a greatly increased risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Metabolic Syndrome (sometimes called Syndrome X) is a combination of weight related conditions such as high blood sugar together with high blood pressure, often seen in obese people. Having any one of these conditions poses a serious health threat. Having a combination of these conditions makes the health risk that much greater.

Diagnosing Metabolic Syndrome

There is no easy way to diagnosis metabolic syndrome. According to the American Heart Association and the National Health, Lung, and Blood Institute a person who has any 3 of the following 5 conditions is considered to have metabolic syndrome:

• Elevated waist circumference (a wide waist indicates a lot of abdominal fat):
  Men - A waist circumference equal to/ or greater than 40″
  Women- A waist circumference equal to/ or greater than 35″
• High triglycerides (a measurement of the fat circulating in your blood):
  A triglyceride reading equal to/ or greater than 150 mg/dL
• Decreased HDL (“good”) cholesterol: 
  Men - HDL less than 40 mg/dL 
  Women -HDL less than 50 mg/dL
• High blood pressure (also known as hypertension): 
  A blood pressure reading equal to/ or greater than 130/85 mm Hg
• Elevated fasting glucose (sometimes referred to as glucose intolerance):
  A fasting blood glucose reading equal to/ or greater than 100 mg/dL

Treating Metabolic Syndrome

The only treatment for metabolic syndrome is weight loss and increased physical activity. However, some of the conditions associated with it such as high blood sugar, pressure, and cholesterol can be controlled temporarily with medications until sufficient weight loss is achieved.

Abdominal fat responds quickly to weight loss and exercise. Even without weight loss, exercise briefly lowers stress hormones, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. These effects last about 20-36 hours so it must be repeated nearly every day to sustain the benefits.

Weight Loss and the Metabolic Syndrome

Several of the conditions associated with Metabolic Syndrome, such as insulin resistance can make it difficult to lose weight. Others such as type 2 diabetes or hypercholestremia can make it risky to follow certain fad diets.  Dr. Scinta, a board certified internist and bariatrician (weight loss doctor), recognizes the dangers of Metabolic Syndrome. She also knows people often need treatment for their underlying medical conditions before they can safely and successfully lose weight.  Given her specialized training and experience Dr. Scinta is capable of treating any such condition(s), while starting patients on a weight loss program customized to safely address their health status and weight loss goals.

“If you have metabolic syndrome or any of its component conditions, you have the opportunity to make aggressive lifestyle changes that can delay or derail the development of serious diseases.” Mayo Clinic.com

For a healthier tomorrow, seek treatment today.