Overview
Metabolic syndrome (also known as abdominal obesity-metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance syndrome or metabolic syndrome X) is a group of health conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. About 25 percent of U.S. adults may have metabolic syndrome in their lifetime, as found by Dr. Earl Ford in a study published in the January 16, 2002 issue of the “Journal of the American Medical Association.”
Characteristics
A combination of several medical risk factors comprise metabolic syndrome. One risk factor includes abdominal obesity (also known as “pot belly”, “beer belly, and the “apple shape” body type), which occurs when fat tissue accumulates in the torso area, resulting in increased waist size. High triglycerides (blood fat) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (also known as “good cholesterol”) are also features of metabolic syndrome. The other risk factors include high blood pressure and high fasting blood sugar levels.
Contributing Factors
The cause of metabolic syndrome is complex and involves an interplay between genetic and lifestyle factors. Primary contributing factors include insulin resistance and abdominal obesity. Insulin resistance is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the body does not properly use blood sugar, thus metabolic syndrome is sometimes called insulin resistance syndrome. Abdominal obesity remains a key factor in metabolic syndrome, as a strong relationship exists between greater waist size and metabolic syndrome. Other risk factors include stress, sedentary lifestyle and age. Chronic stress may change hormones to increase blood sugar levels, which contributes to metabolic syndrome. Several aspects of metabolic syndrome relate to a sedentary lifestyle, including extra fat tissue, low HDL cholesterol and high blood pressure. Regarding age, metabolic syndrome affects about 44% of U.S. adults over the age of 50, according to study led by Dr. Charles Alexander published in the May 2003 issue of “Diabetes.”
Diagnosing Metabolic Syndrome
There are several components of a metabolic syndrome diagnosis, including an enlarged waist size, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure and high fasting blood sugar. The American Heart Association and National Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood recommend that three or more of the components be present for a metabolic syndrome diagnosis.
Treatment
The focus of metabolic syndrome treatment includes reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This entails efforts to lose weight, increase healthy eating habits, increase physical activity and stop smoking. Medications can also treat the individual conditions of metabolic syndrome. Doctors may prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs (such as statins) to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol. Treatments for high blood pressure include ACE inhibitors or diuretics.
Prevention
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the American Heart Association, maintaining a healthy weight and healthy lifestyle may help prevent metabolic syndrome. This involves eating healthy foods, including low intakes of saturated fat, trans fats and cholesterol. Another benefit includes getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity a few times a week.
About this Author
Dr. Mary Lehrman is a licensed psychologist with a Ph.D. in health psychology. She has been published in academic journals and has more than 10 years of experience helping people improve their health.
