disorders of nutrition
Metabolic Syndrome
Introduction
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a large waist circumference (due to excess abdominal fat), high blood pressure, resistance to the effects ofinsulin(insulinresistance) or diabetes, and abnormal levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood (dyslipidemia). Excess abdominal fat increases the risk of High Blood Pressure , To diagnose metabolic syndrome, doctors measure waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar and fat (lipid) levels. Exercise, changes in eating habits, behavioral techniques, and medications may be used to help people lose weight. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal blood cholesterol and fat levels ( Dyslipidemia ) are treated. Metabolic syndrome is a serious problem. In the United States, more than 40% of people over 50 may have it. Even children and adolescents can develop metabolic syndrome, but how many have it is unknown. Metabolic syndrome is more likely to develop when people store excess fat in the abdomen (apple-shaped) rather than around the hips (pear-shaped). The following people tend to store excess fat in the abdomen: Most men Women after menopause Storing excess fat in the abdomen increases the risk of the following: Overview of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) None High Blood Pressure None Type 2 diabetes None Abnormal levels of fats, including cholesterol, in the blood ( Dyslipidemia ) Fatty Liver (formerly called fatty liver) Gout None Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) (in women) Chronic Kidney Disease None Sleep Apnea None Erectile Dysfunction (ED) (in men) Chronic stress may increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. It may also cause hormonal changes that contribute to accumulation of excess fat in the abdomen and cause the body to stop responding normally toinsulin(calledinsulinresistance), Chronic stress may cause levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL—the "good") cholesterol to decrease. Abnormal levels of lipids (such as a low level of HDL) can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is more common among people who smoke than among people who do not. Smoking can increase triglyceride levels and decrease HDL levels. Metabolic syndrome itself causes no symptoms. (See also Obesity .) 