metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is less a condition than a set of warning signs–but these
warning signs should be taken seriously. If you have metabolic syndrome, your
risk of coronary heart disease
doubles, and you have five times the risk for type
2 diabetes. If your risk is that high, you need to know about it, so you can
take positive steps to reduce your risk and avoid those outcomes.
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, or being treated for high triglyceride levels
- Low HDL "good" cholesterol levels, or being treated for low HDL
- High blood pressure, or being treated
for high blood pressure
- High blood sugar, or being treated for high blood sugar
One out of four adults has metabolic syndrome. Many have managed to reduce
their risks and avoid disease by taking action. If you have metabolic syndrome,
the most important actions to take include:
- Working with your doctor to take stock of your condition
- Getting the help you need to make a weight loss plan
- If you smoke, quitting
- Eating healthier foods
- Managing your weight
- Becoming more active
- Tracking your progress
- Working with your doctor to see if medication is an option
...and you can do it! Remember, you're not alone. You can get the help you
need–and you have the example of many others who have faced similar challenges
and learned to manage their weight and live healthier lives.
ready?