Are You at Risk for Metabolic Syndrome?

August 24, 2009

In addition to a host of other conditions and diseases, being overweight or obese can also lead to metabolic syndrome, a disorder that often includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar.

Metabolic syndrome is not a single disease but a cluster of health problems. Experts say the syndrome may be caused by a combination of genes and lifestyle factors, including overeating and lack of physical activity.

According to the National Institutes of Health, metabolic syndrome may be present if a person has any three or more of the following symptoms:

• A waist measuring greater than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women
• Triglyceride levels at 150 milligrams per deciliter or higher
• HDL (good cholesterol) levels of less than 40 milligrams per deciliter in men and less than 50 milligrams per deciliter in women
• Blood pressure at 130/85 or higher
• Blood sugar levels at 110 milligrams per deciliter or higher.

If you fall into three or more of these categories, contact your physician or a registered dietitian to learn more about metabolic syndrome and how to treat it.

Produced by ADA’s Public Relations Team