When standing upright, if you direct your gaze downward and cannot see your feet because your abdomen blocks the view, you very well may have metabolic syndrome.
It may seem innocent. Some view losing their excess abdominal fat as a task for later; one we prioritize when there is sufficient time, like cleaning out the garage. The problem is however, this accumulation of fat is not at all innocent. These fat cells may produce molecules that lead to gene expressions resulting in hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol disorders. The end result is vascular disease that can present as stroke, heart attack, kidney failure or loss of lower extremities to amputation. And, it is avoidable.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that dramatically increase one’s risk of vascular disease. It is estimated that 47 million people in the United States have metabolic syndrome and specifically, it is defined as any three of the following five conditions:
- Abdominal obesity: waistline circumference: male > 40 inches; female > 35 inches
- Blood pressure: >130/85 mmhg
- Triglyceride level: >150 mg/dl
- HDL: male <40; female <50 mg/dl
- Abnormal fasting blood sugar levels: >110 mg/dl or on diabetic medications
It can be reversed
Although this condition is the result of an unhealthy lifestyle it can be reversed with adoption of a healthier way of being. If you smoke… quit. Transition to a plant-based diet. Not only is it delicious but your vasculature will immediately begin to heal. Start moving more and you will be well on the way to a slimmer, healthier life with greater vitality.