Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome by Cheryl Winter, M.S., R.D., R.N.

Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome

by Cheryl Winter, M.S., R.D., R.N.

In recent years, scientists have found that some of the complications of obesity, which include diabetes, hypertension, insulin resistance, and heart disease, were more clearly related to the central distribution of fat (excessive fat tissue in the abdominal region), than to overall level of obesity.

This central location of fat and the release of fatty acids and cytokines (powerful chemical substances secreted by cells) from the enlarged fat cells in this area, provide the major agents that define the Metabolic Syndrome.

What is the Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic Syndrome, also called the dysmetabolic syndrome or Syndrome X, is a collection of factors that individually are risks for cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death in the United States. Some of these factors that can be included in the syndrome are

•hyperinsulinemia

•hypertension

•abnormal blood lipids

•increased coagulant state (abnormal blood

clotting)

•and other clinical features

What causes Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic Syndrome is caused from a genetic predisposition that involves insulin resistance and environmental factors, such as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) through the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III), has provided criteria for diagnosing the presence of the Metabolic Syndrome. At least 3 of the criteria listed below must be present for a diagnosis:

Clinical Features of the Metabolic Syndrome:

Abdominal obesity (waist circumference):

Men: greater than 102 cm (40 in)

Women: greater than 88 cm (35 in)

HDL cholesterol:

Men: less than 50 mg/dL

Women: less than 60 mg/dL

Triglycerides: greater than or equal to 150 mg/dL

Fasting glucose: greater than 110 mg/dL

Blood Pressure(SBP/DBP): greater than or equal to 130/85 mmHg

What are the Risk Factors for the Metabolic Syndrome?

The most likely risk factors observed are abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, decreased HDL cholesterol, and elevated blood pressure. Once elevated fasting blood glucose is observed, then the likelihood of having diabetes is greatly increased, therefore, intervention prior to the observance of elevated fasting blood glucose is desired.

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BIO:

Cheryl Winter, M.S., R.D., R.N. is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Registered Nurse and ACSM Fitness Instructor. Cheryl is owner and operator of HealthSteps Rx, Inc. at http://www.HealthStepsRx.com a wellness organization that will help you Build a Better Life…One Step at a Time.

Learn all about HealthSteps Rx, Inc. Weight Management Program via TeleClasses, without leaving your home or office: http://www.healthstepsrx.com/services/online/steppower.htm

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