Metabolic syndrome: Find information & specialists

Obesity (severe overweight) is not only a heavy burden for those affected. It is usually accompanied by other functional disorders, diseases and problem complexes. The specialist term metabolic syndrome has become established as a generic term for this. These concomitant diseases further increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Here you will find further information as well as selected specialists and centers for the treatment of metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome: definition

Metabolic syndrome is the term used to describe a complex of various concomitant diseases associated with obesity. They occur in conjunction with abdominal obesity, i.e. in the case of severe obesity, particularly in the abdomen.

According to the IDF, the following are considered obese

• Men with a waist circumference of 94 cm or higher and
• women with a waist circumference of 80 cm or more.

Currently, more than 20 percent of the population is considered overweight. Accordingly, many people are at risk from the effects of metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome develops over years. As a result, medical treatment is usually provided at a very late stage. First and foremost, metabolic syndrome damages the cardiovascular system.

The syndrome also increases the risk of developing other diseases, such as gout.

If left untreated, metabolic syndrome can lead to serious illnesses such as

• Type 2 diabetes,
• strokes and
• heart attacks

and can therefore be life-threatening.

Diagnosis and symptoms of metabolic syndrome

We speak of metabolic syndrome when obesity occurs in conjunction with at least two of the following criteria:

• high blood pressure (systolic pressure over 130 mmHg, diastolic pressure over 85 mmHg)
• Diabetes or fasting glucose (blood sugar level above 100 mg/dl)
• Triglycerides (neutral fat values above 150 mg/dl)
• HDL cholesterol (transport molecule for cholesterol; below 40 mg/dl in men, below 50 mg/dl in women)

During an examination for the presence of metabolic syndrome, doctors collect data in this regard. They compare these with the guideline values.

They can then make a diagnosis and explore treatment options together with the patient.

Metabolic syndrome refers to a series of concomitant diseases that often occur with obesity © bilderzwerg | AdobeStock

Causes and prevention

The causes of metabolic syndrome include

• genetic predisposition,
• endocrine (hormonal) characteristics of the individual and
• genetic metabolic disorders.

However, metabolic syndrome mainly occurs as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle.

Regular exercise is highly recommended as a preventative measure. Moderate units, carried out several times a week, contribute to

• a healthy metabolism,
• a normal body weight and
• good heart health

good heart health. When exercising, it is particularly important to put the musculoskeletal system under prolonged, consistent strain in order to strengthen cardiac performance. Suitable activities include

• Jogging,
• cycling or
• swimming.

You should also make sure you eat a healthy diet. Fatty, sugary foods such as fast food, sweets, but also red meat

• increase cholesterol levels,
• increase body weight and
• and damage the blood vessels.

Alcohol and nicotine are also not recommended.

In contrast, the consumption of

• vitamin-rich foods such as fruit or vegetables and protein
• protein-rich foods such as nuts or fish and
• the regular intake of water

have apositive effect on weight and general well-being.

You can also prevent metabolic syndrome in everyday life beyond your diet:

• Cover walking distances on foot or by bike,
• try to avoid sitting for long periods and
• make sure you have a moderate, regulated food intake.

Stress is a major cause of neglecting a healthy lifestyle. It therefore favors the onset of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, try to minimize stressful situations in your life, always allow yourself periods of rest and live consciously.

A good night's sleep also helps to reduce the risks.

Prevention at a glance:

• Avoiding fatty and sugary foods and drinks,
• a conscious diet,
• healthy sport (ideally several times a week),
• exercise in everyday life,
• avoid sitting for long periods and
• a good night's sleep.

Treatment and prognosis

The treatment of metabolic syndrome is usually interdisciplinary. This means that specialists from several areas of medicine work together and develop a joint therapy concept.

If there is an underlying genetic disease, its conditions must be integrated into the treatment plan.

Metabolic syndrome not only significantly restricts quality of life, but also increases the risk of death. Treatment of the syndrome and the underlying diseases is therefore absolutely essential.

An initial measure is aimed at adapting the lifestyle. By means of

• diet plans,
• training in basic nutritional knowledge,
• the integration of appropriate physical activity into everyday life (at best daily, at least several times a week) and
• educating the patient (e.g. also about the effects of alcohol and nicotine consumption)

the negative development can be halted and often even partially reversed.

A change in diet can curb metabolic syndrome © Syda Productions | AdobeStock

If a change in lifestyle alone is not enough, doctors can resort to drug treatment. This involves the use of drugs

• to lower blood pressure,
• to reduce body weight and
• normalize fat and sugar metabolism.

If the condition is severe, it may also be necessary to prescribe medication to reduce uric acid production.

If lifestyle is partly responsible for metabolic syndrome, the course of the disease is also in the hands of the patient. Those affected must actively cooperate and be open to a change in their lifestyle.

If this is the case, metabolic syndrome can be contained.