Obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes: What makes the deadly quartet so dangerous

When obesity and certain other illnesses come together, doctors speak of metabolic syndrome. This combination poses a significant health risk.

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Body positivity is undoubtedly a wonderful movement. Feeling comfortable in your body is important for mental health, and no one should be ashamed of their body. Likewise, someone should not experience discrimination just because their body does not meet the so-called ideal dimensions.

But this development also has potential risks. If misunderstood self-love obscures your view of your own body's health, negative consequences can arise. An example of this is that health problems such as metabolic syndrome may go undiagnosed.

What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome describes the combination of obesity, high blood pressure, high blood lipid levels and high blood sugar levels. This combined clinical picture is also called that“deadly quartet”. Each of these diseases in itself poses a risk to the cardiovascular system and also increases the dangerDiabetesto develop or get vascular diseases.

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How important is waist circumference?

You should not only reduce your waist circumference for visual reasons, but above all for the sake of your health. Because based on the definition ofInternational Diabetes Federation (IDF)Metabolic syndrome occurs when a woman's waist circumference is greater than 80 centimeters. For men, it occurs if the circumference is greater than 94 centimeters and at least two of the following criteria are also met.

What are typical symptoms of metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome often does not show any typical symptoms for a long time. That's why it's so treacherous. For example, obesity can be recognized quite easily, but the other components of metabolic syndrome are not visible from the outside. High blood pressure, impaired fat metabolism and impaired sugar metabolism cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Metabolic syndrome combines symptoms and diseases such as:

  • being very overweight with fat deposits on the stomach (obesity)
  • high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • disturbed sugar metabolism
  • Lipid metabolism disorder

Internists on the Internetalso provides information about lesser-known values ​​that can also indicate the syndrome:

  • increased uric acid
  • low-grade inflammation
  • increased blood clotting
  • Endothelial dysfunction (as a synonym for functional arteriosclerosis)

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Is metabolic syndrome treatable?

It is absolutely possible to counteract metabolic syndrome. Above all, to prevent the symptoms from getting worse or other signs of illness developing.
The combination of being overweight with high blood pressure, for example, requires regular monitoring. It is therefore important that those affected have regular check-ups with their family doctor.

A possible countermeasure, for example, is to use the main factor for metabolic syndrome, obesity, as a reason to lose weight. And yes, the health clock can be turned back.

What methods can be used to treat metabolic syndrome?

The health portal Onmeda.de recommends: “Metabolic syndrome requires treatment that addresses diet and the lack of exercise that usually exists.” Through a healthy lifestyle with lots of exercise and changed behavior, such as a change in diet, the risk factors can be reduced so that the body stays healthy in the long term. This would not only change body weight and body fat, but also have a positive effect on blood lipid levels such as cholesterol.

Of course, there are also therapeutic measures and symptoms that require the use of medication. This must be done individually with the treating doctor.

More medical details aboutYou can read about metabolic syndrome at Onmeda.de

Sources:
Onmeda.de
International Diabetes Federation (IDF)
Internists on the Internet

Important NOTE:This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace a medical diagnosis. If you have any uncertainties, urgent questions or acute symptoms, you should contact your doctor or ask for advice at the pharmacy. The medical on-call service can be reached via the nationwide number 116117.