>To follow up on my diabetes post yesterday, I would like to talk about Metabolic Syndrome, also called: Syndrome X or Insulin Resistance Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by excess abdominal fat, resistance to the effects of insulin ( insulin resistance), abnormal levels of fat in the blood and high blood pressure.

What do doctors recommend if you have Metabolic Syndrome?

1. Excess abdominal fat increases the risk of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes.
2. Doctors measure waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar and fat (lipids) level.
3.Changes in eating habits, exercise, behavioral techniques and drugs may be used to help people lose the weight
4. Diabetes, high blood pressure and abnormal fat levels are treated

RESEARCH ON METABOLIC SYNDROME: In the US, more than 40% of people over the age of 50 have it.
APPLE SHAPED PEOPLE: Metabolic syndrome is more likely to develop in people who store fat around the abdomen.
Pear shaped people- ( fat in the hips) usually do not have metabolic syndrome.
The following people tend to store excess fat around the abdomen:
Most men
Women after menopause
Metabolic syndrome in itself does not cause symptoms but is related to chronic conditions developing such as:
Fatty liver
Gout
Polycystic  ovary syndrome
Chronic Kidney disease

If you have or suspect you have metabolic syndrome, losing weight can reverse the possibility of chronic conditions.
Taken in part from: The Merck Home Health Handbook. Whitehouse Station NY. Merck Research Laboratories

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