Metabolic syndrome - an epidemic of the XXI century

Metabolic syndrome is not a disease, but a condition that combines a group of risk factors that lead to the development of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. This syndrome is a complex of metabolic, hormonal and clinical disorders. The basis of the metabolic syndrome is tissue resistance to insulin, or insulin resistance.

Increased fatigue and appetite, apathy and headaches are perceived by many as a natural consequence of overwork. Excess fat in the waist (visceral obesity) is associated exclusively with a lack of exercise and poor nutrition. Meanwhile, all these symptoms, often together with high blood pressure (arterial hypertension) and insulin resistance, can be signs of metabolic syndrome. Although the syndrome itself is not a disease, it is dangerous as a risk factor:

• Cardiovascular diseases,

• Diabetes,

• Stroke and heart attack.

Currently, experts from the World Health Organization are evaluating metabolic syndrome as a new pandemic of the 21st century. This problem is dangerous due to its serious consequences for human health. Moreover, most people do not attach due importance to the manifestations of the syndrome. Meanwhile, this condition is reversible. For the disappearance or reduction of the severity of its symptoms, it is enough:

• consult a doctor,

• change your lifestyle,

• control blood pressure,

• blood sugar level.

Metabolic syndrome can lead to early development of coronary heart disease or atherosclerosis, which can cause a stroke at working age.

Type 2 diabetes often accompanies metabolic syndrome. The disease can be a consequence of this condition, and, if it is present in the family history, and one of the causes of the syndrome. According to the results of numerous studies, insulin resistance can be hereditary.

One of the main signs of metabolic syndrome is the presence of excess fat in the waist. Volumes of more than 80 centimeters in women and 94 centimeters in men in the waist area are a reason to assess the presence of additional risk factors, including arterial hypertension (blood pressure over 140/90 mm Hg), insulin resistance and others.

In the treatment of metabolic syndrome, the fight against excess weight, especially in arterial hypertension, is of great importance. However, it is not at all necessary to reduce it to “ideal” indicators - rapid weight loss due to sharp calorie restriction for a short time can have sad consequences. It is enough to gradually reduce the weight by 10-15%, but not more than 2-4 kilograms per month. Keeping a food diary and making a diet based on counting the daily calorie intake is of great benefit. Experts emphasize that the main source of calories is fats, and they should be no more than 30% (10% animals and 20% vegetable), the share of carbohydrates should be about 50%, and proteins should account for 20% of calories per day.