Metabolic Syndrome and Diet

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed by a combination of 3 or more of the following factors: visceral obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemias (especially elevated triacylglycerols and low high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol), and altered glucose/insulin metabolism. It may also include other abnormalities, such as those related to inflammation and blood clotting. Such a combination greatly increases risks of morbidity and mortality, particularly related to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Controllable risk factors leading to development of metabolic syndrome include the accumulation of excess adipose, a sedentary lifestyle, and an atherogenic diet. Therefore, weight loss through decreasing energy intake and increasing energy expenditure is recommended as first-line therapy for metabolic syndrome, and even modest weight loss can have profound benefits in reducing the risks associated with metabolic syndrome. Since ...