The Secret Behind Big Waistline and Metabolic Syndrome

By Dr. Nelly Stoyanova

Big waistline and metabolic syndrome are linked, and I am sure it will come as a big surprise to many of you to know that there are 47 million people in the US with this syndrome, and many of them are baby boomers.

So let us see how big waistline and metabolic syndrome relate to each other. How do you know if your waistline is big? What is metabolic syndrome about? How is it defined?

According to the new IDF definition, for a person to be defined as having the metabolic syndrome they must have:

1. Central obesity (defined as waist circumference: above > 35 inches (women) and above > 40 inches (men) with ethnicity specific values) plus any two of the following four factors:

2. Raised triglycerides above 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) or specific treatment for this lipid abnormality

3. Reduced HDL cholesterol

below 40 mg/dL (1.03 mmol/L) in males

below 50 mg/dL (1.29 mmol/L) in females

or specific treatment for this lipid abnormality

4. Raised blood pressure

systolic BP > 130 or diastolic BP > 85 mm Hg

or treatment of previously diagnosed hypertension

5. Raised fasting plasma glucose

(FPG) > 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L),

or previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes

If above 5.6 mmol/L or 100 mg/dL, OGTT is strongly recommended but is not necessary to define presence of the syndrome

* If BMI is >30, central obesity can be assumed and waist circumference does not need to be measured. Normal BMI is below 25

It is enough to have just 3 out of these 5 factors to be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The more factors the greater the risk for heart disease, Unlike fat cells in the buttocks and thighs, fat around the abdominal organs resists the action of insulin, which can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. It also releases free fatty acids that are deposited in the liver.

The big five are to be taken very seriously when in a cluster. While a blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg is considered only a prehypertension, when in combination with two or more of the other risks factors it defines a metabolic syndrome.

While big waistline and metabolic syndrome are related, the major player is actually unresolved stress. So what do you do if heart disease or diabetes run in your family?

Start by taking the free stress level test and get some great stress solutions tips.

Copyright Dr. Nelly Stoyanova

Author's bio: Dr. Nelly Stoyanova is a physician, medical researcher and health behavior expert. She studies the effects of stress on heart disease, type 2 diabetes and sleep. Her website: Belly Fat, Stress and Baby Boomers (http://www.stress-fat-heart-solutions-for-boomers.com) evaluates sources of stress for people over 50 and provides great tips to balance your day-to-day stress and stay healthy. Turn your life around and benefit from her expertise. For individual guidance sessions or to schedule a public speaking event use the Contact page or email at drnstoyanova@gmail.com

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