Metabolic syndrome is increasingly common. The Centers for Disease Control have found that more than 34% of adults over 18 have the condition. This is incredibly concerning as metabolic syndrome dramatically increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease and dementia. Here’s how to determine the risk factors and take steps to lower your risk.

Defining metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels. If you have any three of these factors, you are considered to have metabolic syndrome. According to the National Library of Medicine, metabolic syndrome is diagnosed using these five characteristics:

• A large waistline (over 35 inches for women; over 40 inches for men)
• A high triglyceride level (over 150 mg/dL)
• A low HDL cholesterol level (below 50 mg/dL for women; below 40 mg/dL for men)
• High blood pressure (130/85 mmHg or higher)
• A high fasting blood sugar (100 mg/dL or higher)

In addition, most people with metabolic syndrome are insulin resistant, which makes it more difficult for cells in the body to respond to insulin, dramatically increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Who does it affect?

Metabolic syndrome can happen to anyone. However, it is more common in people who are overweight, and it is strongly associated with an inactive lifestyle and poor diet. The condition is also more common in people who are older and in those who have a family history of metabolic syndrome or its associated conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. The genomic industry's recent advancements have highlighted the pivotal role of genetics in various conditions. For instance, we now understand that certain factors, such as being male or belonging to specific ethnic groups like Hispanic, African American, and Native American populations, can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

Risks of metabolic syndrome

Cardiovascular disease is the most important risk factor in metabolic syndrome. Studies have shown that cardiovascular disease risk increases as much as two times in people who have metabolic syndrome. Heart disease has proven to be the leading cause of death among adults. The individual components of metabolic syndrome are themselves risk factors in developing certain cancers, the combination of factors increases those risks. In fact, those with metabolic syndrome are approximately twice as likely to have elevated risks of endometrial, pancreas, and colorectal cancer compared to individuals with only one metabolic syndrome condition.

How to prevent metabolic syndrome

To help prevent the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, it's important to maintain a healthy approach to the following factors:

Diet

A healthy diet is a very important part of preventing and treating metabolic syndrome. A diet that is low in saturated and trans fats and high in protein, low-sugar fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is recommended to help maintain a healthy weight, control blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of developing heart disease and other health problems. Limiting the intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates, eating an array of vegetables, and choosing healthy sources of protein, such as lean meats, fish, and plant-based proteins are the most significant things you can do to prevent metabolic syndrome.

Physical Exercise

Regular physical activity can help to maintain a healthy weight, control blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It is also proven to improve mood and reduce stress – both important factors for your general well-being. For overall health, the recommendation for adults is at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, such as jogging or swimming laps, each week. Including strength-training exercises at least twice a week will also help maintain muscle mass and bone density.

Tobacco Use

Smoking can increase blood pressure and worsen insulin resistance, two risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Quitting smoking can have immediate and long-term benefits to your health, and it can also help to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Tobacco smoke contains chemicals that can damage the heart and blood vessels, and can also increase the risk of blood clots, which lead to heart attack and stroke.

Managing Stress

Chronic stress can have a negative impact on overall health and worsen existing risk factors for metabolic syndrome, such as high blood pressure and insulin resistance. Find healthy ways to relax and unwind, such as taking regular breaks from work, engaging in physical activity, or practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. It's also helpful to prioritize your physical and mental health by getting enough sleep and avoiding excessive alcohol intake.

Pre-Existing Health Conditions

Pre-existing health conditions that are associated with metabolic syndrome include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. They can not only increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome but also worsen the effects of the condition. If you have any of these conditions, it's important to work with a medical professional to manage them effectively and make immediate lifestyle changes to help prevent the development of metabolic syndrome and reduce the risk of complications.

Treatment

Metabolic syndrome can be treated, but it is often a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. The main goal of treatment is to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems. This can be achieved through lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and increasing physical activity. Medications may also be used to control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other risk factors. In some cases, weight loss surgery may be recommended for people who are severely obese and have not been able to lose weight through other means.

How can Fountain Life help?

The best way to treat disease is to prevent it. With Fountain Life’s Precision Diagnostics, you can access the best early detection technology to find illnesses, like diabetes and heart disease, in their initial stages, before they cause harm. Specifically, our advanced metabolic blood biomarkers panel, cutting-edge imaging technologies, metabolic genomics panel, and continuous metabolic monitors have created unprecedented opportunities to understand the metabolic condition of our bodies. By harnessing these new tools, our longevity providers can offer the most effective treatment strategies to promote better health and longevity. Start your journey toward a healthier you today!