According to the international Monica study – coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) – the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in France is 22.5% in men and 18.5% in women. Often asymptomatic, this set of disorders considerably increases the risk of developing sometimes serious health problems: stroke, myocardial infarction, type 2 diabetes, etc. For the record, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among people over 65 and women…
Metabolic syndrome: what are we talking about?
THE metabolic syndrome designates the coexistence of several health disorders of lipid, carbohydrate or vascular origin associated with excess weight. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), a person has metabolic syndrome when they have abdominal obesity – waist circumference greater than 94 cm for men and 80 cm for women – and at least two of the following criteria:
- a triglyceride level which is equal to or greater than 1.50 g/L;
- a blood sugar level that is equal to or greater than 1.10 g/L;
- a low level of HDL cholesterol (also called “good” cholesterol): less than 0.4 g/L in men, 0.5g/L in women;
- high blood pressure.
“The presence of three of these five criteria indicates metabolic syndrome, also called “belly syndrome””confirms Professor Helft.
What causes metabolic syndrome?
The appearance of metabolic syndrome is favored by a lack of physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle and a poor diet. If according to INSERM, nearly one in five people would be affected in France, in the United States, the syndrome affects more than 40% of people over 50! And the number of cases continues to increase…
What are the risks associated with metabolic syndrome?
If metabolic syndrome can remain silent for a long time, all of these disorders considerably increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (myocardial infarction, stroke, etc.) as well as liver diseases (non-alcoholic steatosis or hepatitis). fatty liver disease). To avoid these complications, it is necessary to lose weight. “Having hyperglycemia or having high blood pressure for years greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, primarily myocardial infarction and stroke. This is why it is important that ‘it is detected and supported.’
How is it diagnosed?
The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is based on a clinical examination, measurement of blood pressure and a fasting blood test to measure lipids and blood sugar levels.
How to prevent and treat metabolic syndrome?
Currently, there is no drug treatment for metabolic syndrome. “The management of metabolic syndrome is mainly based on health and diet measures and the adoption of regular physical activity”confirms the cardiologist.
In order to prevent metabolic syndrome, it is recommended to adopt a healthy lifestyle:
- stop smoking and consume alcohol moderately. “The risk of cardiovascular disease is increased from one cigarette per day”, recalls Professor Helft. Regarding alcohol, we follow the usual recommendations: no more than two glasses per day and not every day.
- adopt a balanced diet. “The Mediterranean diet has proven its effectiveness, assures Professor Helft. Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables (5 or more servings per day ideally), reduce your consumption of meat (especially red meat), prefer fatty fish rich in omega-3 (salmon, sardines, etc.), consuming legumes (lentils, chickpeas, etc.) and using olive oil reduces the risk of cardiovascular events.”
- practice regular physical activity : brisk walking, jogging, cycling or swimming at least 30 minutes a day and five times a week. “ Sedentary people should return to sport gradually, without forcing and by increasing the intensity and duration of physical activity day after day.specifies the French Federation of Cardiology. Regular exercise allows you to lose weight, maintain a healthy weight and therefore fight against overweight and obesity. »
- finally, a regular medical follow-up helps detect risk factors (high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes, etc.) and prevent metabolic syndrome.