Obesity and its associated health issues adversely affect both individual well-being and public health. People with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 35 should be informed that they may be suitable candidates for obesity (bariatric) surgery, as should those with a BMI of 30–35 who meet criteria for metabolic syndrome. In fact, surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity and, by extension, the metabolic syndrome that often accompanies it.
Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when at least 3 of the following 5 conditions are present. Each one raises the risk of cardiovascular disease and other serious complications:
- Increased Waist Circumference
- Measured across the belly: >102 cm for men, >88 cm for women
- Fat concentrated around the abdomen is typically more dangerous than fat stored elsewhere in the body.
- Elevated Triglycerides
- ≥150 mg/dL (or currently taking medication to lower triglycerides)
- High triglycerides increase the risk of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and diabetes.
- Low HDL (“Good”) Cholesterol
- <50 mg/dL for women, <40 mg/dL for men
- HDL helps protect against artery plaque buildup; lower levels raise cardiovascular risk.
- High Blood Pressure
- ≥135/90 mmHg (or currently taking blood-pressure medication)
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure is strongly linked to stroke, heart failure, and other health problems.
- Impaired Fasting Glucose
- 100–125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes; ≥126 mg/dL suggests full-blown diabetes
- Even mildly raised fasting glucose is a warning sign for more significant metabolic issues.
Close Links with Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is often associated with metabolic syndrome. If left unaddressed, it can damage the cardiovascular system and severely impact overall health.
Diseases Associated with Metabolic Syndrome
People diagnosed with metabolic syndrome have a higher risk of heart and vascular diseases—including heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmias, sudden cardiac events, and stroke (cerebrovascular accident). Additionally:
- Those with metabolic syndrome are twice as likely to develop heart disease compared to those without it.
- Their risk of type 2 diabetes is five times higher than normal.
How to Know if You Have Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome itself does not typically present noticeable symptoms. Instead, overweight or obesity—particularly central obesity (excess fat around the waist)—often serves as a key warning sign. However, normal-weight individuals can also have metabolic syndrome if they exhibit several of the specific criteria (like high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, or low HDL). Because many of these signals can go undetected without testing, routine measurements such as waist circumference and blood pressure are extremely useful for early detection.
Who is at High Risk for Metabolic Syndrome?
- Overweight or Obese Individuals: Especially those with sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits.
- Family History: People with relatives who have diabetes or high blood pressure face increased risk.
- Younger-to-Middle-Aged Women: Studies show a notable spike in central obesity and metabolic syndrome in these demographics.
In many nations, the prevalence of overweight and obese populations is growing, indicating an accelerating risk of metabolic syndrome—particularly among younger and middle-aged women.
How is Metabolic Syndrome Treated?
Treatment focuses on reversing the specific issues that contribute to the syndrome. Key priorities include:
- Losing Excess Weight: Healthy eating and physical activity are crucial.
- Forming a Healthy, Active Lifestyle: Encourages long-term health benefits.
- Medical Interventions: For some patients whose diet/exercise attempts have failed (and who meet certain clinical criteria), bariatric surgery can be considered. Surgical interventions often facilitate weight loss and can resolve or improve metabolic syndrome factors.
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