Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of risk factors that increase a person's likelihood of developing heart disease and other health problems related to being overweight or obese. The syndrome is characterized by a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that include abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated fasting blood glucose levels, and an altered lipid profile.

5 Components of Metabolic Syndrome

The five key components of metabolic syndrome that are related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) are:
Abdominal obesity or central obesity, characterized by a waist circumference of more than 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women (with 5 inches lower for Asians).
Atherogenic dyslipidemia, which includes elevated triglycerides (above 150) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (less than 50).
Elevated blood pressure (hypertension), or taking blood pressure medication.
Fasting blood glucose levels of 100 or higher, or a diagnosis of prediabetes or diabetes, or other signs of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and proinflammatory and prothrombotic states.

Inflammatory and prothrombotic states, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Diagnosis

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and blood tests. A healthcare professional will assess the patient's waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile, and glucose levels, as well as other risk factors, to determine if they meet the criteria for metabolic syndrome.

Symptoms

Most of the risk factors for metabolic syndrome do not have any noticeable symptoms, although a large waistline is a visible sign. It is important for individuals to monitor their risk factors and seek medical advice if they suspect they have metabolic syndrome.

Incidence

One in three Americans currently meet the criteria for metabolic syndrome and another third have early signs of insulin resistance, which can be a precursor to metabolic syndrome. The CDC estimates that metabolic syndrome is a growing problem in the United States, and it is important for individuals to be aware of their risk factors and take steps to address them.

Benefits Of Weight Loss

A little weight loss goes a long way! According to Dr. David Katz, MD, MPH, director of Yale University's Prevention Research Center and of the Yale Preventive Medicine Center -

90% of all diabetes
80% of heart disease
and 60% of cancers are preventable!

Learn more on the benefits of weight loss

Small weight loss - big benefits

Research has shown that losing 10% of your body weight - or less – can have big payoffs for your health as reported by this article on WebMD. Some doctors have reported that they have successfully taken patients off blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering medications after the patients lost small amounts of weight, Champagne says.

Apple versus the pear shaped body!

Losing a little weight can be especially beneficial for people who store their excess weight in their abdomens, rather than in their hips. This 'apple' pattern of weight distribution means you're at greater risk for heart disease - but it also means you should have an easier time losing the weight, and thus reversing the risk, experts say.

Metabolic starvation

Metabolic starvation in obese individuals with insulin resistance refers to a situation where the body's cells are not able to efficiently use glucose as a source of energy due to insulin resistance. Despite having high levels of glucose in the bloodstream, the cells are unable to take up and utilize the glucose for energy production. As a result, the cells become "starved" of energy, even though the body has abundant glucose and fat stores.

Obese and starving

This phenomenon of starvation while having excess fat stores is commonly seen in obese individuals with insulin resistance, where their bodies become resistant to the effects of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose levels in the bloodstream and helps cells take up glucose and use it for energy. In individuals with insulin resistance, the cells become less sensitive to insulin, leading to an increase in blood glucose levels. This results in an energy crisis in the cells, leading to metabolic starvation.

The metabolic starvation in obese individuals with insulin resistance can lead to a range of health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic disorders. The best way to prevent metabolic starvation in these individuals is to maintain a healthy body weight, eat a balanced diet, and engage in regular physical activity.

How Can W8MD Weight Loss Centers Help?

W8MD's Insurance Physician Weight Loss Program was established in 2011 and has a proven track record of helping patients achieve weight loss and maintain it with an ongoing maintenance plan. The program takes a multidisciplinary approach to weight loss, addressing the various factors that contribute to weight gain in both adults and children. The W8MD team is made up of highly qualified, dedicated, and friendly healthcare professionals who are committed to helping patients reach their goals.

W8MD's program is unique in its approach, combining medical and lifestyle interventions to provide a comprehensive solution to weight loss. Patients are assessed, diagnosed, and treated by licensed physicians and healthcare professionals to ensure the safest and most effective outcomes. The program is designed to help patients lose weight and improve their overall health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and enhancing quality of life.

The best part of W8MD s that we accept health insurance for the visits so you do not have to pay out of pocket for these services. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, insurances are now mandated to provide coverage for weight loss.

References

There is a growing body of research that supports the concept of metabolic starvation in obese individuals with insulin resistance. Some relevant references include:
Cusi K, DeFronzo RA. "Inflammation, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes". Endocr Rev. 2005 Dec;26(6):829-41.
Hotamisligil GS. "Inflammation and metabolic disorders". Nature. 2006 Jun 15;444(7121):860-7.
Saltiel AR, Kahn CR. "Insulin signalling and the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism". Nature. 2001 Jan 18;409(6822):972-82.
Weyer C, Funahashi T, Tanaka S, Hotta K, Matsuzawa Y, Pratley RE, Tataranni PA. "Hypoadiponectinemia in obesity and type 2 diabetes: close association with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia". J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001 Jan;86(1):1930-5.

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W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & Medspa Centers

W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & Medspa Centers is a network of medical centers located in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and surrounding areas that provide comprehensive care for weight loss, sleep disorders, and aesthetic treatments.