Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD
Metabolic syndrome (also known as insulin resistance syndrome or syndrome X) is the name of a group of risk factors associated with overweight and obesity that can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and the development of type 2 diabetes.
What does Metabolic Syndrome mean? Metabolic syndrome is a condition in which a group of risk factors for heart disease (including stroke) and Type 2 diabetes occur together.
What does Metabolic Syndrome mean? Metabolic syndrome is a condition in which a group of risk factors for heart disease (including stroke) and Type 2 diabetes occur together.
According to a report by the National Cholesterol Education Program, metabolic syndrome is defined by the presence of the following health conditions:
1. Abdominal obesity (apple-shaped obesity)
2. Atherogenic dyslipidemia (High LDL and low HDL)
3. Hypertension (high blood pressure)
4. Insulin resistance and/or glucose intolerance
5. Prothrombotic state (clot in a blood vessel)
6. Proinflammatory state (body inflammation)
Although metabolic syndrome is not yet fully understood, visceral fat, which is fat stored in the abdominal region, and insulin resistance seems to be major contributing factors of developing the syndrome. Abdominal fat is now considered "sick" or "toxic" fat that acts as an endocrine organ, secreting hormones and other chemicals that can alter metabolism and contribute to insulin resistance. An individual’s hip-to-waist ratio may be the best indicator of one’s risk for this disease.
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) estimates that in the U.S. about 47 million (approximately 25%) adults have metabolic syndrome. It can affect anyone but it is most frequently seen in those who are significantly overweight (especially in the abdominal area) and those leading a sedentary lifestyle. Those with metabolic syndrome are three times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke and one in four are more likely to develop diabetes than someone without the syndrome.
Diagnosing metabolic syndrome requires the presence of at least three of the following risk factors.
1. Abdominal obesity (men: more than 40 inches ; women: more than 35 inches)
2. Elevated fasting glucose (more than110 mg/d)
3. Elevated triglycerides (more than 150 mg/dL)
4. Reduced HDL cholesterol (men: less than 40 mg/dL; women: less than 50 mg/dL)
5. Elevated blood pressure (more than 130/85 mmHg)
The ideal time for prevention of metabolic syndrome is while insulin secretion is still adequate. Early assessment is important to prevent the development of more serious disease, such as diabetes. A fitness assessment by a personal trainer can identify if you are at risk for this syndrome. One way to assess your risks for metabolic syndrome and a number of other diseases on your own is by using the Diabetes PHD (Personal Health Decisions) risk assessment online tool. If you are at risk, visit your physician for a complete evaluation before starting an intervention program. Find a fitness professional or health educator that addresses lifestyle changes producing a modest weight reduction. These changes should include improving your diet through education, selection, and portion control while also increasing physical activity levels.
Metabolic diets emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and lean meats and eliminating processed foods are recommended. This type of diet will insure a diet high in fiber (25 to 30 grams per day is recommended). Exercise recommendations include a minimum of 30 minutes most days of the week. In addition, at least two days of strength training per week is recommended. A good online source for getting active is America On the Move, which is a national initiative that encourages people to take an additional 2,000 steps more than what you normally do and eating 100 fewer calories per day. Exercise increases abdominal fat loss and reduces the insulin resistance typically associated with this type of fat, therefore reducing your risks for metabolic syndrome.
1. Abdominal obesity (apple-shaped obesity)
2. Atherogenic dyslipidemia (High LDL and low HDL)
3. Hypertension (high blood pressure)
4. Insulin resistance and/or glucose intolerance
5. Prothrombotic state (clot in a blood vessel)
6. Proinflammatory state (body inflammation)
Although metabolic syndrome is not yet fully understood, visceral fat, which is fat stored in the abdominal region, and insulin resistance seems to be major contributing factors of developing the syndrome. Abdominal fat is now considered "sick" or "toxic" fat that acts as an endocrine organ, secreting hormones and other chemicals that can alter metabolism and contribute to insulin resistance. An individual’s hip-to-waist ratio may be the best indicator of one’s risk for this disease.
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) estimates that in the U.S. about 47 million (approximately 25%) adults have metabolic syndrome. It can affect anyone but it is most frequently seen in those who are significantly overweight (especially in the abdominal area) and those leading a sedentary lifestyle. Those with metabolic syndrome are three times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke and one in four are more likely to develop diabetes than someone without the syndrome.
Diagnosing metabolic syndrome requires the presence of at least three of the following risk factors.
1. Abdominal obesity (men: more than 40 inches ; women: more than 35 inches)
2. Elevated fasting glucose (more than110 mg/d)
3. Elevated triglycerides (more than 150 mg/dL)
4. Reduced HDL cholesterol (men: less than 40 mg/dL; women: less than 50 mg/dL)
5. Elevated blood pressure (more than 130/85 mmHg)
The ideal time for prevention of metabolic syndrome is while insulin secretion is still adequate. Early assessment is important to prevent the development of more serious disease, such as diabetes. A fitness assessment by a personal trainer can identify if you are at risk for this syndrome. One way to assess your risks for metabolic syndrome and a number of other diseases on your own is by using the Diabetes PHD (Personal Health Decisions) risk assessment online tool. If you are at risk, visit your physician for a complete evaluation before starting an intervention program. Find a fitness professional or health educator that addresses lifestyle changes producing a modest weight reduction. These changes should include improving your diet through education, selection, and portion control while also increasing physical activity levels.
Metabolic diets emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and lean meats and eliminating processed foods are recommended. This type of diet will insure a diet high in fiber (25 to 30 grams per day is recommended). Exercise recommendations include a minimum of 30 minutes most days of the week. In addition, at least two days of strength training per week is recommended. A good online source for getting active is America On the Move, which is a national initiative that encourages people to take an additional 2,000 steps more than what you normally do and eating 100 fewer calories per day. Exercise increases abdominal fat loss and reduces the insulin resistance typically associated with this type of fat, therefore reducing your risks for metabolic syndrome.
If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to request an on line or by phone alternative consultation, or a newly written article that can suit your business purposes, please call: (715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; or (218) 213-7087
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2009, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2009, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment