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OBESITY AND METABOLIC SYNDROME
Metabolic syndrome may be diagnosed when a patient has a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Individuals with metabolic syndrome have a two-fold increase in risk for heart attack or stroke, and a five-fold increased risk for developing diabetes when compared with individuals who do not have metabolic syndrome.
If you have three or more of the following risk factors, you may have metabolic syndrome:
- A waistline of 40 inches and over for men, 35 inches and over for women
- High triglyceride levels
- Low HDL "good" cholesterol levels
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
One out of four adults has metabolic syndrome. Many have managed to reduce their risks to avoid disease by taking action. If you have metabolic syndrome, the most important actions to take include:
- Working with your doctor to evaluate your condition and determine if medication is an option
- If you smoke, quit or enroll in a cessation program to help you quit
- Managing your weight
- Becoming more active