What is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a serious and growing problem, but exactly what is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome (also known as metabolic syndrome X, syndrome X, and insulin resistance syndrome) is a group of health problems that occur together, greatly increasing the risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Metabolic syndrome is quite common. Approximately 20%-30% of the population in industrialized countries have it, and it affects close to 75 million people in the United States alone.

You have metabolic syndrome when you have three or more of the following health problems: high blood pressure - high blood sugar - high triglycerides - high body fat around the waist - low HDL (good) cholesterol.

Having one component of metabolic syndrome means you're more likely to have others. And the more components you have, the greater the risks are to your health.

The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is not known, but it's linked to insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that moves glucose (blood sugar) from the bloodstream into the cells of the body, where it's used for energy. Insulin resistance is a condition in which the cells do not respond properly to insulin, and as a result, higher levels of insulin are needed in order for insulin to have its effects. This causes higher than normal levels of blood sugar and insulin to build up in the bloodsteam, which can lead to a variety of health problems.

As is true with many health conditions, genetics and lifestyle both play important roles in the development of metabolic syndrome.

Genetic factors influence each individual component of the syndrome, and the syndrome itself. A family history of early heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or hypertension greatly increases the chance that an individual will develop metabolic syndrome.

Lifestyle issues such as lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating, progressive weight gain, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking also contribute significantly to the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

Obesity itself is likely the greatest risk factor for metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is present in about 5% of people with normal body weight, 22% of those who are overweight, and 60% of those who are obese. Adults who continue to gain five or more pounds per year raise their risk of developing metabolic syndrome by up to 45%.

Making healthy lifestyle changes is the best way to prevent or treat metabolic syndrome. These changes include weight loss, increased physical activity, a healthier diet, reduced alcohol consumption, and smoking cessation.

Leave the What is Metabolic Syndrome page and return to the Health and Fitness Articles page
Leave the What is Metabolic Syndrome page and return to the Home page