Metabolic Syndrome
The rising incidence of obesity has led to increased occurrence of the distinct, obesity-related metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in the general population, but particularly in the obese. The definition of the metabolic syndrome rests on a set of clinical criteria instead of a single diagnostic test. Metabolic syndrome is defined as having three or more disorders related to metabolism, such as:
- Obesity, particularly if “apple” shaped
- Hypertension
- Elevated triglycerides
- Low HDL (good) cholesterol
- Insulin resistance, (difficulty controlling sugar in the body)
Many persons suffering from the disease of obesity are unaware that they may have metabolic syndrome. This is because hypertension, elevated triglycerides and insulin resistance often go undiagnosed. Any of the components of metabolic syndrome result in a greater risk of serious disease. Metabolic syndrome predisposes to type II diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, obstructive sleep apnea, pulmonary dysfunction, peripheral artery disease, kidney disease, stroke and early death.
Risk factors of Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is becoming more common nationally and in Connecticut, particularly because it is believed that many of the syndrome’s risk factors are related to obesity. Risk factors include:
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Diabetes during pregnancy
- Type II diabetes
- Hypertension
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Heart disease
- Smoking
- Family history of diabetes
- Female Gender
- Race (Hispanics and Asians are at a greater risk)
- Aging (incidence increases when older than 50)
- Hormonal changes
Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome
The first line of treatment is a healthy lifestyle. Smoking cessation is vital because the smoking of cigarettes increases insulin resistance. Increase in physical activity has shown to be very effective, particularly in increasing HDL cholesterol. A low calorie diet that is nutritionally balanced is also recommended to achieve a targeted weight loss of ten percent of the current body weight.
However, if in three to six months efforts at improving risk factors prove insufficient, drug therapies are introduced. Largely, individual disorders that encompass the metabolic syndrome are treated disjointedly. Cholesterol drugs can be used to raise HDL cholesterol and to reduce triglycerides levels. Anti-hypertensive medications can be added to stabilize hypertension. The use of medicines that decrease insulin resistance is controversial and is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Metabolic Syndrome and Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery, which is also known as weight loss or metabolic surgery, is the most effective treatment for the most likely cause of metabolic syndrome: obesity. The majority of people who suffer from the disease of obesity and are severely obese find it very difficult to lose weight and maintain the weight loss. This in turn makes it challenging to keep the disorders associated with metabolic syndrome in check. Many severely obese persons end up with a multitude of medicines and a progressing disease.
Bariatric surgery, such as Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy or the Lap Band procedures are very effective at reversing the metabolic syndrome because they result in significant and sustained weight loss. Often, bariatric surgery patients are able to discontinue or reduce the medicines for the diseases associated with metabolic syndrome. More importantly, weight loss surgery gives patients a tool to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, prolonging life. To learn more about how metabolic syndrome can be resolved with weight loss surgery, please register for a free seminar.
