Are you familiar with metabolic syndrome? Understanding what metabolic syndrome is can help you delay or prevent it from developing.
According to a recent study from the Journal of the American Medical Association, there has been an increase in its prevalence. This increase is attributed to the rising obesity rate among adults. This condition may even overtake smoking as the leading risk factor for heart diseases.
What Is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by having a combination of health conditions occurring together, which increases your risk of severe medical problems like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. This syndrome is also known as obesity syndrome, insulin resistance syndrome, Syndrome X, and dysmetabolic syndrome.
The exact cause of the metabolic syndrome is unknown, but it is closely linked to insulin resistance. Your lifestyle and genetics play a role in its development. Moreover, the rise of metabolic syndrome is related to the increase in obesity and being overweight due to a lack of physical activity and unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Your risk for developing metabolic syndrome increases as you age. Besides that, the other risk factors for metabolic syndrome are as follows:
- Ethnicity. Hispanics are found to have the highest rate of metabolic syndrome in the United States.
- Central obesity. This refers to people with increased fat in the waist or abdomen.
- Diabetes. Having a family history of type 2 diabetes also puts you at higher risk for this condition.
- Other health conditions. These include those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and sleep apnea.
- Sex. It is observed that women are at a higher risk – especially those who have polycystic ovary syndrome.
Why Does Metabolic Syndrome Matter?
A recent study shows that metabolic syndrome is on the rise. It is a growing medical concern that people must be aware of. When this condition develops, you become at risk for several complications, including significant loss of function and quality of life.
When you leave your weight unchecked, you may develop insulin resistance that can result in type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is incurable and puts you at risk for more health problems like kidney and nerve damage.
Furthermore, high cholesterol and high blood pressure are two of the conditions that may occur together in metabolic syndrome. These two can cause plaque buildup in your arteries, narrowing them and putting you at risk for heart attacks and strokes.
Avoiding these complications is why knowing about metabolic syndrome matters. Observing your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels are recommended for people who are at risk. You should also consult with your doctor to know about what else you can do to prevent this condition from affecting you. The best way to prevent it from developing is committing to a healthy lifestyle.
Metabolic Syndrome Treatment in Florida
Prevention is always better than cure. Having an active and healthy lifestyle will dramatically reduce your risk of metabolic syndrome and its complications. If you already have pre-existing conditions that increase your risk, seek medical assistance.
Our board-certified doctors at Intercoastal Medical Group can help prevent, diagnose, and control metabolic syndrome. To consult with our endocrinologist, you may call our Beneva Professional Center office at (941) 379-1777 or our Lakewood Ranch II office at (941) 538-0077. You can also schedule your visit with us using this secure online form. Your health matters. Let us help you get the quality care your body needs!
