Doctors are sounding the alarm about a disease that more and more Romanians are suffering from, closely linked to a sedentary lifestyle. It is the Metabolic Syndrome (MS), considered one of the most important causes of cardiovascular diseases.
Metabolic syndrome can be associated with symptoms such as weight gain PHOTO: Shutterstock
According to Dr. Alexandru Nechifor, specialist in internal medicine, the causes and mechanisms that lead to the appearance of metabolic syndrome are complex and involve a series of interactions between genetic, metabolic and environmental factors. This syndrome is most closely related to excess weight, sedentary lifestyle, which leads to insulin resistance
THE TRUTH: What is metabolic syndrome?
Dr. Alexandru Nechifor: Metabolic syndrome refers to the presence of at least three of the following conditions: high blood pressure, low glucose tolerance, excess body fat around the waist, above-normal levels of triglycerides, and low levels of HDL (the so-called good cholesterol).
If you suffer from metabolic syndrome or one of its components, major lifestyle changes can delay and even prevent the development of serious health problems. Metabolic syndrome is closely related to overweight and a sedentary lifestyle. Metabolic syndrome is also associated with insulin resistance.
– What are the causes of metabolic syndrome?
The causes of metabolic syndrome are complex and involve genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors. Major risk factors include being overweight, being sedentary, and genetic predisposition.
The “time bomb”, which affects more and more Romanians
– How does insulin resistance influence the metabolic syndrome?
Insulin resistance is a central feature of the metabolic syndrome. This means that the cells no longer respond properly to the action of insulin. Which leads to increased blood sugar levels and difficulty for the body to metabolize glucose.
– What are the symptoms of metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome can be asymptomatic, but can be associated with symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, excessive thirst, frequent urination, and high blood pressure.
– What are the complications associated with metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, stroke, and coronary heart disease.
Doctor Alexandru Nechifor PHOTO: Personal Archive
– How can the metabolic syndrome be diagnosed?
Diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is based on assessment of risk factors such as blood pressure measurement, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, waist circumference and medical history.
– What is the treatment for metabolic syndrome?
Treatment of metabolic syndrome usually involves lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and losing weight. Sometimes medications may be needed to control cardiovascular risk factors.
– How can metabolic syndrome be prevented?
Prevention of metabolic syndrome involves maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding sedentary lifestyles, adopting a balanced diet, reducing sugar and saturated fat consumption, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
– Why is metabolic syndrome awareness important?
Awareness of metabolic syndrome is important because this condition is closely related to increased risk of serious diseases and can have serious health consequences. Early identification and proper management can prevent serious complications.
– Who should be evaluated for metabolic syndrome?
Anyone with risk factors such as being overweight, sedentary, a family history of diabetes, or cardiovascular disease should be periodically evaluated for metabolic syndrome, especially after age 40.
If you are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome or one of its components, adopting healthy lifestyle changes can prevent or delay serious health problems, such as heart attack or stroke.
Healthy lifestyle changes mean: regular physical activity, at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.
For example, brisk walking or various ways to increase physical activity. Replace driving with walking or taking the stairs instead of taking the elevator.
Weight loss – losing 7-10% of body mass – can reduce insulin resistance, high blood pressure, diabetes risk.
The consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins is also indicated. It is generally recommended to avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, salt, sugar and fat, especially saturated fat. And, at the same time, quitting smoking is extremely important.
