Metabolic syndrome is a complex of metabolic, hormonal and clinical disorders that occur against the background of obesity. With this syndrome, insulin resistance occurs – a condition in which insulin is not absorbed by tissues, which causes its excessive accumulation in the blood. As a result, carbohydrate and fat metabolism is disturbed, and conditions are formed for the early development of atherosclerosis. Metabolic syndrome is accompanied by pathological changes in all tissues and systems of the body. Learn more about this consequence of being overweight in this article.
Metabolic syndrome: risk factors and treatment
Despite the fact that there is a genetic susceptibility to metabolic disorders, an unhealthy lifestyle plays an important role in the development of the metabolic syndrome. The main reasons for the development of an increase in the incidence of metabolic syndrome are a decrease in physical activity and a high-carbohydrate diet. 25% of the Western population suffers from metabolic syndrome. This disease is more common among men, and women experience it during menopause.
In this article, we will look at:
- causes of metabolic syndrome;
- symptoms of metabolic syndrome;
- treatment of metabolic syndrome;
- prevention of metabolic syndrome.
Causes of metabolic syndrome
Disturbances united within the framework of the metabolic syndrome can go unnoticed for a long time, as they are asymptomatic. Often their formation begins at a young age.
The main cause of the development of the metabolic syndrome is congenital or acquired insulin resistance, i.e. insensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin.
Genetic predisposition to insulin resistance is due to gene mutation. There is also a version that insulin resistance – not the cause of the metabolic syndrome, but one of its components.
Metabolic syndrome symptoms
Metabolic syndrome is a polysymptomatic disease and the patient's complaints depend on the presence and severity of clinical components. The earliest signs of the metabolic syndrome are dyslipidemia (a factor in the development of atherosclerosis) and arterial hypertension (pressure greater than 130/85 mmHg).
Early atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, abdominal-visceral obesity develop. Naturally, not all components of the syndrome can occur simultaneously.
Metabolic symptom symptoms include:
- shortness of breath with little exertion, and in the case of moderate forms and at rest;
- weakness and fatigue;
- sleep apnea;
- headaches (due to arterial hypertension);
- retrosternal pain (due to coronary heart disease);
- itching of the skin, violation of the integrity of the epidermis in the flywheel and axillary areas;
- increased appetite (due to excess insulin);
- excess body weight with predominant abdominal fat deposition;
- dry mouth, thirst, polyuria (due to type 2 diabetes);
Treatment of metabolic syndrome
Treatment of metabolic syndrome is aimed at normalizing body weight, correcting carbohydrate metabolism and stopping arterial hypertension and symptoms of diabetes mellitus. The primary goal is to reduce weight by 10-15%, which will help to further fight insulin resistance. People with metabolic syndrome are prescribed drugs that reduce insulin resistance and suppress fat synthesis.
Food
To get rid of excess weight was effective, the patient must adhere to a balanced diet. Thus, the proportion of fat in the daily diet should not exceed 25-30% of the daily calorie intake. Easily digestible carbohydrates and “light” fats (margarine).
Red meat should be limited to other sources of protein – fish. The diet should contain a large number of foods containing dietary fiber (fiber) – cereals, legumes, vegetables and fruits.
Naturally, you need to minimize, or better, completely eliminate the use of products containing sugar, as well as reduce the use of salt.
Physical exercise
Since metabolic syndrome is mostly diagnosed in people who are obese, high-intensity training in this case is contraindicated, as it can provoke joint problems.
Slow walking, swimming, cycling will do. To begin with, the duration of the workout should not exceed 10-15 minutes, but over time, its duration should be increased to 40 minutes.
Prevention of metabolic syndrome
According to experts, lifestyle changes can help prevent the development of metabolic syndrome. Among them:
- watch your weight and if you notice that you have begun to gain extra pounds – start losing weight immediately;
- keep proper nutrition – eat more fresh fruits and meats, prefer lean meats, low-fat dairy products, reduce the use of salt;
- exercise at least 30-60 minutes three times a week;
- Get regular check-ups with your doctor.
If the metabolic syndrome is properly treated, the prognosis is quite favorable. If all the recommendations of the doctor are not followed, the risk of developing myocardial infarction, stroke, type 2 diabetes and diabetic complications increases significantly. Take care of your health and avoid complications of illnesses!
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