Stress, Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a complicated condition that involves more than one of several conditions that, when appearing together, could lead to a greatly increased risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. High cholesterol, high blood pressure and excess fat around the waist are a few of the conditions that could point to metabolic syndrome. In addition, stress, especially work-related stress, is also a factor in this syndrome. It is generally accepted that any combination of three of these physical conditions constitutes metabolic syndrome.

The Facts

• The Mayo clinic reports that metabolic syndrome is linked to the metabolism and it could be linked to insulin resistance. Excess abdominal fat is a contributing factor in metabolic syndrome, and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that this is indicated by a waistline larger than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men. The ADA also states, "Some research suggests that stress at work could be related to metabolic syndrome." It should also be noted that the ADA considers those working in chronically stressful environments to be "more than twice as likely to get metabolic syndrome than people who had less stress at work."

Identifying Metabolic Syndrome

• This syndrome is actually a combination of conditions that include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, excess fat around the waistline, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, or blood that is either prothrombotic or proinflammatory. The American Heart Asoociation maintains that the "dominant factors" (AHA) for this condition are excess abdominal fat and insulin resistance.

Prevention

• One of the most effective things that can be done to combat metabolic syndrome is losing weight. Decreasing body weight by 10 percent can have positive advantages, including reduced insulin levels and a lowered risk of diabetes. According the Mayo Clinic, medical experts recommend 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic activity daily. Fiber-rich diets also lower insulin levels, so a diet with plenty of beans, vegetables, and fruits is suggested. Finally, stopping smoking is recommended because smoking increases insulin resistance.

Considerations

• Not everyone in the medical field is in agreement over the definition of metabolic syndrome. The Mayo Clinic reports, "Doctors have talked about this constellation of risk factors for years and have called it many names, including syndrome X and insulin resistance syndrome." While this confusion surrounding the condition might exist, many in the medical profession agree that this syndrome does exist.

Warnings

• Heart disease, stroke and diabetes (especially type 2 diabetes) are the primary dangers of metabolic syndrome if left untreated. Other health risks include atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, kidney disease and liver disease.