What is metabolic syndrome? It is a cluster of individual, but related symptoms that point to a breakdown of the body’s ability to function at a healthy level. You are on the fast track to heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and even sudden death. At best, it makes you look paunchy, tired and old. At worst, it kills you.
You have metabolic syndrome if you have three or more of the following:
- A disproportionate waist to hip ratio, or an abdominal girth of 35 inches or more (taken at the belly button)
- High trigyceride levels (175 mg/dL or more)
- Low HDL levels (below 40) This is the “good cholesterol.”
- High LDL levels (above 100) This is the “bad” cholesterol.
- Resting blood pressure of 130/85 or higher in consecutive readings.
- Fasting blood sugar of 100 mg/dL or higher
Syndrome X is a purely preventable disease. Getting your blood checked annually and knowing your genetic history for heart disease and stroke is a beginning. Making the appropriate lifestyle changes with a healthy diet of whole foods and daily exercise will reverse these symptoms. Medications are the last resort if all else fails.
BEWARE of supplements that promise to burn belly fat. They don’t work and they are full of chemicals and caffeine. They do more damage than good in the long run. There is NO magic pill!
Should you be worried about metabolic syndrome, “belly fat”? A resounding YES! It isn’t just ugly, it is deadly. Consult with a qualified and experienced health and fitness professional to set you up on a strategic and customized exercise and nutrition plan.
