Introduction to Metabolic Syndrome

Click here for a list of articles on Metabolic Syndrome

Abstracted by Greg Arnold, DC, CSCS, from “Mediterranean-style dietary pattern, reduced risk of metabolic syndrome traits, and incidence in the Framingham Offspring Cohort”, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2009;90 1608-14. Posted January 15, 2010.

Metabolic Syndrome affects over 47 million Americans and is characterized by a number of risk factors that include central obesity (excessive fat tissue in and around the abdomen), increased blood pressure (130/85 mmHg or higher), and insulin resistance (the body can’t properly use insulin or blood sugar).  The condition is also known as “Syndrome X” because it consists of so many symptoms (1). Fortunately, a number of studies have shown ways to help patients prevent Syndrome X, such as losing weight (2),

MetS, which is not an actual disease, but a collection of unhealthy body measurements that together dramatically increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and type 2 diabetes.(3)  Approximately 34 percent of adults met the criteria for MetS according to a 2009 National Health Statistics Report.(4) This is a whopping increase from 29 percent just a few years ago.(5)

References:

  1. American Heart Association Website: “Metabolic Syndrome” http://www.americanheart.org
  2. Watkins LL.  Effects of exercise and weight loss on cardiac risk factors associated with syndrome X.  Arch Intern Med. 2003 Sep 8;163(16):1889-95.