Syndrome X in Children

Syndrome X, also known as metabolic syndrome X, insulin resistance syndrome and Reaven's syndrome, has been estimated to affect up to 25 percent of the U.S. population--with children now being diagnosed in epidemic proportions. Physical recreation has largely been replaced by television and computer games, and the sedentary, fast food lifestyle of most American kids (and adults) is starting to take its toll.

How Are Children At Risk?

• On average, Americans consume nearly 200 lbs. of sugar a year. Most of it comes from soft drinks, which contain 12 tsp. of sugar for each 16 oz. can. While calorie consumption has gone up, physical activity is on the wane. Research indicates that the average child spends six hours a day in front a TV or computer. The consequence of this trend is now clear. While its complex mechanisms are still unknown, Syndrome X is most common among the obese. Current estimates cite that over 34 percent of Americans are obese, and that Syndrome X affects nearly 50 percent of a growing number of severely obese children.

What is Syndrome X?

• Insulin, a vital human hormone secreted by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels in the body, is our best defense against sugar's toxicity. When functioning normally, one of insulin's roles is to control increased blood sugar levels by first storing it in the liver and muscles as glycogen for immediate energy, then into saturated fat as reserves. With Syndrome X, normal amounts of insulin are not able to produce the proper insulin response from fat, muscle and liver cells, so the pancreas produces more insulin. Excess levels of both glucose and insulin in the body can result in hypertension, obesity, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. An imbalance of insulin can also throw other essential hormones out of kilter, which can have profound effects on young developing bodies.

What Are The Symptoms?

• While lifestyle is regarded as the major contributor, research also indicates that Syndrome X is most prevalent in children with a family history of Type 2 diabetes in a first or second generation relative, and from specific ethnic descent: Native American, African American, Latino, Asian American or Pacific Islander. Among the most obvious symptoms associated with insulin resistance are extreme fatigue, acne, sugar and carbohydrates cravings, and difficulty losing excess weight. In girls, Syndrome X can manifest itself as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and the early onset of puberty, which sometimes occurs as young as 7 to 8 years of age. Another indication may be acanthosis nigricans---a velvety patch of skin in a high friction area of the body commonly seen in children who are obese. Infants born prematurely and/or at a low birth weight with rapid gains in the first year should also be closely monitored.

Is There a Cure?

• Researchers are still exploring Syndrome X, but the primary formula for combating this precursor to life threatening illnesses is relatively clear: healthy eating habits combined with regular exercise. Children naturally have abundant resources of energy for a reason: to engage in activities that develop strong, healthy minds and bodies. Life long habits are often formed in these early years--and quite simply, growing children need to spend more time involved in physical activities than sitting in front of their TVs and computer screens. In most instances, controlling the growing epidemic of Syndrome X in children may begin with establishing better boundaries and eating habits for them, and for ourselves.

Establishing A Healthier Lifestyle

• 1. Energy creates energy, and the best way to fight sluggishness (and burn calories) is to start moving. If the weather is nice, and your child is of age, let her walk or ride their bike to school or friends' homes if she can.

  2. Monitor and set boundaries for TV viewing and computer time. Fresh air and exercise, both for the body and the imagination, are essential to healthy childhood development.

  3. Snacking in front of the TV can become an addictive habit. If the impulse is too strong to resist, limit snacks to fruits and vegetables. Baby carrots, sugar snap peas, blueberries, celery sticks and edemame (soy beans) are good choices and fun to eat.

  4. Cut back on sodas, sugary fruit drinks and drink more water. Not only is it more effective in satisfying thirst, but it flushes the system of addictive toxins and is generally less expensive.