Each of us wants to live a long, healthy life. Unfortunately, certain factors can increase our risk for health problems, grow our waistlines, and keep us from feeling our best as we age.
One of these factors is known as metabolic syndrome, and it’s more common than you may think.
Many people don’t realize they have metabolic syndrome until they are diagnosed. Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce your risks and even reverse the condition completely.
In this blog, we will explore metabolic syndrome, the most important signs and symptoms, the risks associated with the condition, and steps to reverse it.
What Is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that affect your everyday life and increase your risk of severe health problems. The disease affects millions of people worldwide, with approximately 1 in 3 adults in the United States being affected. Its prevalence is increasing, and its implications are severe
Metabolic syndrome is commonly associated with insulin resistance, along with other conditions common with age and decreased activity. Over time, metabolic syndrome puts you at risk of more serious health problems such as:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Alzheimer’s disease
Diagnostic tests may include a blood glucose test, cholesterol test, blood pressure reading, and waist circumference measurement. In some cases, an oral glucose tolerance test or a liver function test may be recommended.
Reversing metabolic syndrome is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall health. The best way to get started is to identify whether you have the conditions associated with it.
6 Symptoms That Indicate You May Have Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. If you have at least three of the following risk factors, your doctor may diagnose you with metabolic syndrome:
1. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common characteristic of metabolic syndrome. Blood pressure equal to or greater than 130/80 mm Hg is considered high. It occurs when the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is too high.
High blood pressure can damage your blood vessels, which can lead to various health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
2. High Fasting Blood Sugar
High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, occurs when your body can’t use insulin properly or doesn’t produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.
When your blood sugar is too high, it can lead to various health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and nerve damage. To tell whether you have prediabetes or diabetes, doctors will often test your fasting blood sugar. Fasting glucose levels of 100-125 mg/dL indicate prediabetes, and 125 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
3. High Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. Triglyceride levels equal to or greater than 150 mg/dL are considered high.
Triglyceride levels can increase when you consume too many calories or carbohydrates, especially sugar. High levels of triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
4. Low HDL Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol, also known as “good” cholesterol, helps remove LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, from your bloodstream.
As with high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. HDL cholesterol is considered low when it is less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women.
5. Large Waist Circumference
The waist is often one of the most common places for fat cells to accumulate in the human body. So it’s no surprise many adults have a large waist circumference.
Unfortunately, research has shown a higher waist circumferences is associated with:
- Hypertension
- Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Joint pain
- Lower back pain
- Increased uric acid in the blood
A waist circumference equal to or greater than 35 inches for women and equal to or greater than 40 inches for men is considered dangerous from a health standpoint.
6. Obesity
Obesity is a major characteristic of metabolic syndrome. It is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
On its own, obesity can increase your risk of various health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. But when you combine obesity with the conditions above your risks are even higher.
How To Reverse Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic Syndrome can lead to a range of dangerous health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. However, there is hope.
It’s important to note that developing metabolic syndrome is not inevitable. Simple lifestyle changes—such as exercising regularly, following a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight—can significantly lower your risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
And if you already have developed metabolic syndrome, there are steps you can take to reverse your symptoms. Many of these steps are the same as the lifestyle changes you would make to reduce your risk of developing the condition in the first place.
However, based on your blood work and the specific metabolic conditions you have developed, there are specific changes you might make. This could include:
- Going on a low glycemic diet to reduce blood sugar spikes and insulin resistance
- Lowering your blood pressure by reducing sodium in your diet and eating more potassium
- Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein to lower your cholesterol
Your doctor should help you create a wellness plan based on your specific bloodwork.
Start With Trim & Fit
You don’t have to deal with this on your own. The Resurge Clinic is now offering a Trim & Fit Weight Loss Program specifically designed to help you avoid developing metabolic syndrome—or to reverse the condition if you have developed it.
Trim & Fit is The Resurge Clinic’s medically supervised, science-based program that targets the underlying cause of weight gain and obesity: metabolic dysfunction. This is the root cause of Metabolic Syndrome, and with Trim & Fit, you can reverse it.
The Trim & Fit program is personalized based on your labwork and body composition analysis, making it ideal for those who have not had success with other weight loss programs. It is designed to help you lose weight more easily, feel better, and lower your risks for dangerous health problems.
The program combines simple lifestyle changes with peptides and supplements. Many of these work on the brain to lower appetite, decrease cravings, and increase satiety. Because it’s based on your specific bloodwork and health needs, Trim & Fit:
- Is ideal for patients who have not had success with other weight loss programs
- Won’t cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Improves your cognitive function, memory, sleep, and sexual health
- Could help you lose 15% of your body fat within one year
- Lowers visceral fat and body fat percentage and prevents insulin resistance
With Trim & Fit, you can achieve and maintain a healthy weight without excessive dieting or exercise. The program uses personal bloodwork to measure improvement, and it promotes optimal well-being.
“I can’t say enough good about the Trim & Fit Program. I feel better. I look better. I’ve lost weight. Honestly, it’s like one of those secrets that you kind of want to keep, then again, you want to tell everybody.”
— Kip Hooks, Patient
If you suspect you may be at risk of metabolic syndrome and have not had success with other weight loss programs, don’t let your weight keep you from doing the things you love. Schedule a consultation now to start your journey to a healthy, full life.
