Metabolic syndrome affects an estimated 34% of adults in the United States, making it one of the most common medical conditions in America today.
But what exactly is metabolic syndrome? What are its signs and symptoms? How is it diagnosed and treated? And how can we reduce our risk of developing this condition?
In this article, we will explore these questions and more to give you a better understanding of metabolic syndrome. We’ll look at who’s at risk for developing this condition and discuss some strategies to help prevent or manage it should you be diagnosed with it.
What Is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
The syndrome, also known as Syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome, is commonly associated with obesity and other related metabolic problems. It typically affects people of middle age and older, though it can also affect younger people who have certain risk factors.
Who Is At Risk For Metabolic Syndrome?
As mentioned earlier, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, metabolic syndrome affects around 34% of adults in the United States. This percentage is slightly higher for individuals aged 45-64 (42%) and those 65 or older (44%).
Men are slightly more likely to develop metabolic syndrome than women; around 38% of men have it compared to 30% of women. Studies suggest that African Americans and Hispanics may be at a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome than those from other racial backgrounds.
Additionally, people with excess weight, diabetes Mellitus, central obesity (excessive fat around the waist), and insulin resistance are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. It is also important to note that people with a family history of diabetes, heart disease, and/or stroke may be at an increased risk of developing the syndrome.
Finally, habits such as an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, heavy drinking, and smoking can contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome.
What Are The Symptoms Of Metabolic Syndrome?
The most common signs and symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome are:
1. Abdominal Obesity
“Abdominal obesity” is considered a waist circumference of greater than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women. Clinically, it is defined as having excess fat around the waist or abdomen. It is one of the most prominent symptoms of metabolic syndrome.
2. Elevated Triglycerides
Triglycerides are fatty molecules that travel through the bloodstream and are used by the body for energy production. High triglyceride levels (greater than 150mg/dL) often indicate metabolic syndrome and are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
3. Low HDL Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol (aka “good cholesterol”) helps to remove the bad cholesterol (LDL, or Low-Density Lipoprotein) from the body. Good cholesterol helps to keep your arteries clear by transporting other fats (such as LDL cholesterol) away from your cells.
A low HDL cholesterol level (less than 40mg/dL in men and 50mg/dL in women) is a telltale sign of metabolic syndrome. Like high triglycerides, it also increases your risk for heart disease.
4. High Blood Pressure
Metabolic syndrome is often associated with high blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher). High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
5. Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar
People with metabolic syndrome often experience elevated fasting blood sugar levels (greater than 100mg/dL). This can lead to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and an increased risk of diabetes.
How Is Metabolic Syndrome Diagnosed?
To get a proper diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, you’ll need to visit a doctor who will perform a physical examination and review your medical history. They may also order some blood tests to check your cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and fasting glucose levels.
If your tests and examinations match the signs and symptoms listed above, you may be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.
How Can You Prevent/Treat Metabolic Syndrome?
The primary goal of treating metabolic syndrome is to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Ideally, your treatment plan will be structured based on your individual needs and lifestyle. It may include some combination of the following:
1. Diet And Exercise
Lifestyle changes can play a key role in managing, treating, and preventing metabolic syndrome. In fact, they can be more effective than metformin at reducing your chances of developing diabetes (58% less chance of developing diabetes with lifestyle changes compared to 33% with metformin).
Changing your diet—such as reducing processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars—can positively affect your health. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, nuts, and low-fat dairy products can help reduce your risks. High-fiber diets, in particular, have been shown to decrease hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and colon cancer.
Regular physical activity is also important for losing weight and keeping your heart healthy. One recent study found that over a 14-year period, men who exercised more often had a 33% lower cardiovascular disease rate and 42% lower total mortality rate.
Regular, intensive exercise was associated with a much greater decrease, equivalent to a brisk walk for 30 minutes a day. Those who have a more sedentary lifestyle or struggle to exercise may need to start off small, with short, slow walks, before building to higher-intensity exercises.
2. Medication
In some cases, medications may be necessary to help control high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, or diabetes. There are many types of medications available, so it is important to work with your doctor to find the one that is right for you.
3. Supplements
Certain supplements may be beneficial in reducing symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome. For example, omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels. Vitamin D is another supplement that may help improve blood sugar control and reduce LDL cholesterol.
Peptide supplements can also help make it easier for you to lose weight, stay in shape, and lower your resting blood sugar. The benefits you get will depend on the peptide you try, the dosing, and how well you tolerate it.
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4. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of developing metabolic syndrome, so it is important to limit your intake. It is best to stick to the recommended limits of one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
5. Quitting Smoking
Smoking can increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and should be avoided at all costs. If you are a smoker, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. A popular consensus among cardiologists is that smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health.
Don’t Put Your Health On The Backburner If You’re At Risk For Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a severe condition that affects many Americans, but with proper management, it is possible to reduce your risk and improve your health. Making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking can help you prevent metabolic syndrome and other health problems.
Working with your doctor to create an individualized treatment plan can be beneficial in managing the condition. With the right care and support, you can get your health back on track and reduce your risk of developing severe complications.
If you don’t know where to start, or you feel like you’re doing everything right but still aren’t seeing results, schedule a consultation with The Resurge Clinic to give our Trim & Fit program a try. Trim & Fit focuses on managing your risk factors for metabolic syndrome, so you can live a healthy, full life regardless of your age.
Schedule a consultation now to get started!
