Metabolic Syndrome: Do You Know Your Risk?
Have you assessed your possible risk of metabolic syndrome? Often overlooked, metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur simultaneously within the body. Together they can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions that join together to cause metabolic syndrome are increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat especially around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol/triglyceride levels. You may be asking yourself, “does having just one of these conditions lead to metabolic syndrome?” The good news is, not exactly, but you are at a high risk of serious illness. As a result, if you happen to develop more of the associated conditions, as time goes by, your risk becomes even greater. Worst of all, the Mayo Clinic explains that up to one-third of US adults currently have it.
Causes
Metabolic syndrome is closely tied to overweight or obese populations and also individuals who are inactive. It is also linked to a condition known as insulin resistance. In a healthy body, the digestive system would break down the foods you eat into sugar. Your pancreas creates insulin which allows sugar to enter into your cells and eventually be used as fuel. For individuals with insulin resistance, their cells don’t respond normally to insulin and the glucose cannot enter the cells as easily. This causes blood sugar levels to increase even as the body makes more and more insulin to try and lower your blood sugar.
Common Risk Factors
The most common and concerning risk factor associated with metabolic syndrome is obesity. Carrying excess weight puts strain on the body, especially weight around your abdomen, which increases the likelihood of developing this syndrome. Diabetic individuals are also more likely to develop metabolic syndrome, as well as those with a family history of type 2 diabetes.
Prevention
Simply put, a healthy lifestyle change and a team of medical professionals can help you through your journey. McCarty Weight Loss Center provides a diverse spectrum of treatment options tailored to the individual patient in an environment of knowledgeable and caring staff. The following surgical and non-surgical weight loss options are available to patients at McCarty Weight Loss Center.
Are you ready to determine your risk for metabolic syndrome and begin your journey to a lifetime of health? For more information on surgical and non-surgical weight loss options available at McCarty Weight Loss Center, give us a call today at 469-547-6170. We can’t wait to help you on your journey!
Resources:
Mayo Clinic – Disease and Conditions | Metabolic Syndrome
