What is that? Is it a syndrome, a disease? Metabolic syndrome is a symptom that something is not quite right in the body. Metabolic syndrome is thus not a disease, but something we can get rid of if we take steps in the right direction.
If we don’t take action, metabolic syndrome can lead to various diseases that can have serious consequences for our health in the long term. . For example, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver failure, dementia and cancer.
How do I know if I’m at risk of developing metabolic syndrome, or if I have metabolic syndrome?
To be included in this category, at least three of the following criteria must be met.
- Waist circumference, WC, above 102 cm for men and 88 cm for women (there are other values for people from, for example, Asia)
- High blood pressure. Above 130/80
- High levels of blood fats. Triglycerides, TG above 1.7 mmol/l
- Low values of the “good cholesterol” HDL below 1.03 mmol/l for men and below 1.29 mmol/l for women
- Fasting blood sugar above 5.6 mmol/l
So, it’s possible to have a few too many kilos, but still be “healthy inside”. An active life, good dietary habits, enough sleep, stress management will all help maintain good health. We are also created in such a way that we have different conditions and “thresholds” for how much extra weight we can have without this creating health problems for us. A good rule is to take a general check annually where the most important parameters are measured in addition to prioritizing good living habits in everyday life.
Sources:
- Metabolsk syndrom.Informasjon. NHI.Sist oppdatert 01.02.2023 https://nhi.no/kosthold/overvektfedme/metabolsk-syndrom
- ● Kulseng, B. Metabolic complications to obesity: Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. NTNU (2020)
