The name of that condition sounds pretty scary. Well, it certainly can be, but before you jump to
any conclusions, let’s share some information about it.
What is Syndrome X?
First, a “Syndrome” is defined as a group of symptoms or conditions characteristic of a specific
disorder or disease. So, things arise together as a condition persists – often one causing the
other … and vice versa.
One that is quite frequently referenced these days because of the incidence of obesity and
overweight conditions in America – and one which many of our clients have been diagnosed
with before seeking help from us for their weight loss and wellness – is called Syndrome X.
Other names commonly used for this severe ill-health scenario are Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin
Resistance Syndrome or and Obesity syndrome. Are they starting to “ring a bell” yet?
Symptoms of Syndrome X
In a nutshell, Metabolic Syndrome (the name most used today) is a group of risk factors and
conditions that arise together as the result of unhealthy dietary habits and resultant weight gain
issues, especially abdominal obesity. The manner and timing in which the various factors appear
among individuals differ but typically include things like:
- High Blood Pressure
- Cholesterol Issues. Raised triglycerides, low LDL numbers, etc.
- Blood Sugar Problems. People will hear things like Hypoglycemia, Hyperinsulinemia,
Glucose intolerance, Insulin sensitivity, etc., or the severe result of all that: Type 2
Diabetes.
It may all start sounding more and more familiar to you at this point. Many people will say, “Oh
yeah! That’s what they told me I had.” As we will mention again below, the challenge is that the
conditions associated with this “syndrome” have minimal to NO perceivable symptoms. So, it’s
like a “ticking time bomb.” This short blog aims to help you make some sense of it all – and, if
needed, take some action. Or perhaps share with someone you care about!
How Many are Affected by This?
According to peer-reviewed research on the Centers for Disease Control website: “By using the
definition of metabolic syndrome from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the
National Cholesterol Education Program, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is estimated at
more than 30% in the United States”. (See reference source below).
30%! And we have seen even higher estimations. That is epidemic proportions for such a serious
set of conditions happening together! Check out some other facts and figures shared on
popular health-related websites regarding Metabolic Syndrome:
- Metabolic syndrome is present in about 5% of people with average body weight. It is
present in about 22% of individuals who are overweight and 60% of individuals
considered obese. - According to the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute, WOMEN with waists measuring 35 inches or larger and MEN with waists
measuring 40 inches or larger are at risk of metabolic syndrome. - Adults who continue to gain five or more pounds yearly raise their risk of developing
metabolic syndrome by up to 45%.
Experts demonstrate that metabolic syndrome is becoming more common because of rising
obesity rates. Extra fat in the belly increases the risk (predominantly internal or “Visceral Fat,”
which we commonly write about here). Even people who are not obese may have an inherited
higher risk. This includes people who have parents or other first-degree relatives with diabetes.
Furthermore, as stated above, most of the metabolic syndrome-related factors don’t have any
symptoms. The only outward sign often is packing some extra weight in the belly, which usually
results in a larger waist. However, be sure to know that this syndrome clearly increases your risk
of severe health problems, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart attacks, strokes – and so on. Despite
the serious risk factors, most people don’t know what metabolic syndrome is!
How to Take Action
Have concerns about Syndrome X or Metabolic Syndrome as it relates to YOUR health? Or
possibly have friends or family members who may have been told they have this syndrome. It’s
serious stuff, and we want to help if we can!
We highly recommend a consultation and computerized Body Composition Analysis (BCA) in our
clinic to determine things like Body Mass Index (BMI), Visceral Fat Rating, Body Fat Percentage,
and other factors critical to controlling weight gain and obesity. Knowing your numbers in
reasonable detail and exploring strategies to address the underlying causes of Metabolic
Syndrome is THE way to start!
Syndrome X is becoming more common. The good news is that it can be controlled. Lifestyle
modification is the preferred treatment. Weight reduction usually requires a specifically tailored
multifaceted program like the one we provide! Consider GENETIC TESTING to create
INDIVIDUALIZED programs with structured, consistent, and excellent SUPPORT. It’s what we do!
Learn more about getting in contact with one of our weight loss providers by visiting
gocuris.com/weight-loss.
Sources:
1) Moore JX, Chaudhary N, Akinyemiju T. Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence by Race/Ethnicity and
Sex in the United States, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988–2012. Prev
Chronic Dis 2017;14:160287.
2) www.medicinenet.com
