A Big X (Metabolic Syndrome)

++ This might be called "What is metabolic syndrome, and why don't I want it?"

Metabolic syndrome, which used to be called Syndrome X, is a cluster of symptoms that often occur together. When one gets worse, the others usually do, too, leading to health complications.  Researchers still don't fully understand what is behind this, but they have found some things that can be done to ease the health burdens.  Over 80% of the people with this cluster of symptoms are also over-weight.

The Symptoms: 

Different agencies define "too much" in different ways.  Here are typical examples:
- A large waist - worse if your figure is an "apple" rather than a "pear."  "Large waist" often defined as at least 40 inches in men and at least 35 inches in women.
- A triglyceride reading of at least 150
- HDL (good cholesterol) below 40 for men and 50 for women
- pre-diabetes (fasting blood sugar above 100)
- blood pressure over 130/85
* If you have these symptoms, you should be discussing them with a doctor.  Even if you have only a few of them, you still are at risk for complications like heart disease.
* Type 2 diabetes alone can lower a person's life expectancy and quality of life.  If an overweight person loses as little as 1 kilogram (2.2 lb) and keeps it off, there can be a measurable (although small) reduction in this risk. Lose more, reduce the risk of getting diabetes more.

What can be done about it?

The short answer for most people with metabolic syndrome is to lose weight.  Treating this syndrome is actually a complex issue, involving both good diet and proper exercise, and possibly medication. If you are over "a certain age" or have any health concerns, you should get guidance from a doctor on beginning a weight-loss program.  Because this is a complex and poorly understood problem, diagnosis and treatment are not do-it-yourself issues. 
A dietitian is also a good ally to have in planning a diet.  Your doctor may refer you to one.  You can also ask at a local hospital, or check the website of the American Dietetic Association (address in sidebar to the right).  In many cases, insurance will help pay the fee.

If you or a loved one fit this scenario, check into it.  The life you save (or improve) may be your own!