This worrying statistic could create grave risks for the many millions battling with these conditions. Dr Michael Mosley offered his advice on how one could reduce their risk of metabolic syndrome and how to “reverse” it.
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What is metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is the medical term for a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity said the NHS.
The health site continued: “It puts you at greater risk of getting coronary heart disease, stroke and other conditions that affect the blood vessels.
“On their own, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity can damage your blood vessels but having all three together is particularly dangerous.
“They’re very common conditions that are linked, which explains why metabolic syndrome affects an estimated one in three adults aged 50 or older in the UK.”
Dr Mosley explained: “Metabolic syndrome usually develops as a result of poor diet and lifestyle, often culminating in insulin resistance and blood sugars starting to creep up.
“However, this generally means that when better practices replace less healthy habits, metabolic syndrome can be successfully treated and even reversed.”
He continued: “Metabolic syndrome often stems from insulin resistance and is the term for a cluster of risk factors presenting in one person.
“Metabolic syndrome puts you at greater risk of stroke, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, in addition to increasing the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.”
How to reduce risk factors and reverse metabolic syndrome
When asked how one could begin to make the appropriate changes to reduce their risk, Dr Mosley said: “If you are obese, losing weight is hugely important in improving your risk of medical conditions associated with metabolic syndrome.
“The good news is that metabolic syndrome is a problem that can be solved by doing so, your appetite will shrink and it will be easier to lose weight.”
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Instead of using willpower, one of the best places to start is to address insulin resistance by reducing calories and eating a moderately low carb Mediterranean-style diet, according to the TV doctor.
He added: “We know nutrients like fibre, protein and healthy fats are at the heart of a heart-healthy diet.
“Practicing intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating is also a proven way to improve insulin sensitivity and encourage the body to burn fat, leading to weight loss.
“Exercise is also an important component.”
Dr Mosley continued when you overeat and do little exercise, fat builds up inside your muscles, which causes problems.
By increasing your activity levels alongside improving your diet, when your blood sugar levels do rise, your muscles are much more efficient at mopping it up and turning it into energy before it can cause problems.
By moving more, you’ll be improving blood sugar levels, reversing insulin resistance, reducing pre-diabetes and even type 2 diabetes.
By doing this you will help defeat metabolic syndrome and reduce your risk.
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