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Nutritional Disorders

Metabolic Syndrome

A frequent cluster of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in the Western world.

Definition

A cluster of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors: abdominal obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL. Three out of five criteria are sufficient for diagnosis.

How it works

Metabolic syndrome affects 20-25% of adults in France, with visceral obesity being the pivot: abdominal fat secretes pro-inflammatory adipokines and free fatty acids disrupting metabolism.

Role

A major cardiovascular and metabolic risk marker requiring preventive intervention.

Examples

  • Waist circumference >88cm + glucose >1g/L + TG >1.5g/L + low HDL + blood pressure >130/85 mmHg

Recommendations

Weight loss of 7-10%, increased physical activity, and a Mediterranean diet reduce all components.

Key takeaway

Metabolic syndrome is a silent warning signal preceding diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

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