What is Metabolic Syndrome and Why Should I be Concerned About It?
The fact you are visiting this website suggests that you are concerned about your weight. Perhaps you just want to lose that last stubborn 10 pounds, or you maybe afraid to look at the number on the scale but you feel like your weight is affecting your health. In either case, it is good to know the facts about body fat so you can decide how to deal with your weight concerns.
We've all heard that people who carry excess weight also carry an increased risk for various health problems including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, osteoarthritis and even some cancers to name a few. Some people develop a health condition known as Metabolic Syndrome. It is a combination of medical disorders seen in many over weight individuals that greatly increases their risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Diagnosing Metabolic Syndrome
There is no easy way to diagnosis metabolic syndrome. According to the American Heart Association and the National Health, Lung, and Blood Institute a person who has any 3 of the following 5 conditions is considered to have metabolic syndrome.
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Elevated waist circumference (a wide waist indicates a lot of abdominal fat):
Men - Equal to or greater than 40 inches
Women - Equal to or greater than 35 inches
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High triglycerides (a measurement of the fat circulating in your blood):
Equal to or greater than 150 mg/dL
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Decreased HDL ("good") cholesterol:
Men - Less than 40 mg/dL
Women - Less than 50 mg/dL
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High blood pressure (also known as hypertension):
Equal to or greater than 130/85 mm Hg
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Elevated fasting glucose (sometimes referred to as glucose intolerance):
Equal to or greater than 100 mg/dL
Treating Metabolic Syndrome
Medication can be used to temporarily control blood sugar, pressure, and cholesterol but the only real treatment is to lose weight and become more active.
Some of the conditions associated with Metabolic Syndrome can make it difficult to lose weight, others can make it risky to follow a fad diet. As a board certified internist and an experienced bariatrician (weight loss doctor), Dr. Steiner understands that people often need treatment for their underlying medical conditions before they can successfully lose weight. Dr. Steiner performs a number of medical tests on each patient before they start a weight loss program so he can determine if they have simple insulin resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, or other weight related conditions. He treats these conditions while starting the patient on a weight loss program customized for their health needs and weight loss goals.
