Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome is the term used to refer to several different medical conditions which when they occur together lead to an increased risk of contracting cardiovascular disease, having a stroke or becoming type 2 diabetic. The main features of Metabolic Syndrome include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and insulin resistance.

Insulin Resistance – Insulin is a hormone that is used to move blood sugar to cells where it is needed in order to be burned as energy. An insulin resistance means the sugar is not able to reach those cells and be burned so it leads to high blood sugar levels. Hypertension (HNT) or high blood pressure can be reduced with dietary changes, physical exercise and weight loss.

High Cholesterol – Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your cells and there are two different classifications - Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. An excess build up of the former can increase your chances of heart disease or a stroke.

What is the definition of Metabolic Syndrome?

The World Health Organisation’ definition for Metabolic Syndrome is based on someone that has:

1.    High insulin levels, an elevated fasting blood glucose or an elevated post meal glucose alone with at least 2 of the following criteria:
2.    Abdominal obesity as defined by a waist to hip ratio of greater than 0.9, a Body Mass Index of at least 30 kg/m2 or a waist measurement over 37 inches.
3.    Cholesterol panel showing a triglyceride level of at least 150 mg/dl or an HDL cholesterol lower than 35 mg/dl.
4.    Blood pressure of 140/90 or above (or on treatment for high blood pressure).

Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

Those that are overweight and obese are far more likely to suffer with Metabolic Syndrome than others with a ‘normal’ Body Mass Index (BMI) because the main features of Metabolic Syndrome are medical conditions that normally come hand in hand with being overweight or obese.

It is reported that those with Metabolic Syndrome are up to 30 times more likely than the rest of the population to become type 2 diabetic. Additionally if you have Metabolic Syndrome you are up to 4 times more likely to suffer from heart disease.

Treating Metabolic Syndrome

Most people suffering from Metabolic Syndrome are overweight or obese and Metabolic Syndrome can therefore be treated or the condition improved by reducing weight and becoming more healthy. Just losing weight without changing your lifestyle is not recommended to assist with Metabolic Syndrome and data has show that cosmetic surgery weight loss methods such as liposuction do not have a considerable effect on insulin resistance, cholesterol or blood sugar levels.

To effectively combat Metabolic Syndrome a patient should lose weight, have a regular exercise regime and eat a healthy and balanced diet.

Bariatric surgery and Metabolic Syndrome

Studies have proven that Gastric Band Surgery can help with Metabolic Syndrome. Surgery should be considered secondary to achieving weight loss after attempting more natural methods such as a change in diet and exercise.

Please complete one of our enquiry forms and you will be contacted by a bariatric clinic that can answer your questions, explain your eligibility for bariatric surgery and the cost.