Do you have Metabolic Syndrome? Here's how to know.

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Do you have Metabolic Syndrome?  Even if you have never heard of the concept, it's possible that you are dealing with it.  In fact there is a very significant chance.  Per the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH), "metabolic syndrome is common in the United States.  About 1 in 3 adults have metabolic syndrome."[1] 

"Metabolic syndrome is common in the United States. About 1 in 3 adults have metabolic syndrome."

Unfortunately, in addition to one in three adults, a growing number of children are suffering with this health impacting syndrome.    

Metabolic Syndrome has been a concept for a long time with evolving and differing definitions.  In 2009, many organizations including the American Heart association came together and formed a joint definition of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). This is the definition that is used currently.   

Metabolic Syndrome can be diagnosed if you have 3 or more of the following conditions [2]:

  • High blood glucose (sugar)
  • Low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol in the blood
  • High levels of triglycerides in the blood
  • Large waist circumference
  • High blood pressure

Metabolic Syndrome is an extremely serious issue in both adults and children.  Not only is it serious due to the implications of the condition itself, but also due the many devastating health issues and diseases where it is a risk factor.  For example, MetS is a risk factor and precursor to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes [2] With the growing prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome it should be considered a general health crisis.  

...MetS is a risk factor and precursor to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes
In order for the Metabolic Syndrome health crisis to be considered 'solved' there would have to be evidence that it's prevalence is significantly declining in the general population.  However, despite a ton of scientific and medical study, research, books, podcasts and general concern, a solution currently still looks to be elusive at best and impossible at worst.  Still, the current research needs to be published, promoted and discussed - far and wide - in hopes we will finally see a significant decline in this health impacting issue.


REFERENCES

  1. “What Is Metabolic Syndrome?” National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 18 May 2022, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/metabolic-syndrome. 
  2. Alberti KGMM, Eckel RH, Grundy SM, Zimmet PZ, Cleeman JI, Donato KA, Fruchart J-C, James WPT, Loria CM, Smith SC Jr. Harmonizing the metabolic syndrome: a joint interim statement of the International Diabetes Federation Task Force on Epidemiology and Prevention; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; American Heart Association; World Heart Federation; International Atherosclerosis Society; and International Association for the Study of Obesity. Circulation. 2009;120:1640–1645.



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