If you've been to a mall or buffet line recently then you know we're rapidly losing the battle against obesity and diabetes. This health war will have critical repercussions on this country's economic future. Already two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. The financial cost to this nation in healthcare expenditures, lost worker productivity and premature morbidity and mortality is staggering. Medical professionals have identified a constellation of health risk factors that when combined dramatically increase an individual's risk for developing diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Originally known as Syndrome X or insulin resistance these metabolic abnormalities are now known simply as metabolic syndrome. By aggressively treating metabolic syndrome it’s possible to lower an individual’s risk for serious medical problems and premature death.
        

Start exercising on a regular basis to treat metabolic syndrome. Begin gradually with aerobic exercises and then slowly add days for core strengthening and resistance training. Ultimately mixing up your routine by cross training will maximize both weight loss as well as the development of lean muscle mass.

Change from a high glycemic carbohydrate diet based on bread, potatoes and pasta to one more  focused on vegetables, fish and whole grains such as the highly touted Mediterranean diet.

Eat fewer calories. To treat metabolic syndrome it’s not only important to eat the right foods but also to reduce portion sizes and total calories.

Take fish oil capsules daily. They’re inexpensive and help to naturally reduce serum triglyceride levels as well as other blood markers associated with inflammation.    

Skip table salt. Some salt sensitive individuals with hypertension can experience difficulty controlling their blood pressures when they consume dietary salt.

Limit alcohol consumption. If you do choose to drink consider making red wine your alcohol beverage of choice since it possesses both cardioprotective properties as well as the ability to increase good cholesterol levels.

Give up sugar to prevent metabolic syndrome. Sugar substitutes aren’t perfect; however, most remain less unhealthy than sugar. Sucrose (table sugar) elevates serum blood sugar levels before being converted to triglycerides. Excess triglyceride production promotes fatty liver, visceral fat deposition, increased waist circumference and truncal obesity.

Have your blood pressure monitored regularly. If you have hypertension then be sure you’re compliant with your anti-hypertensive medication.

*  Some risk factors are beyond our control such as age, sex and family history. As a result it’s essential that modifiable risk factors be aggressively treated to prevent insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
*  Losing weight reverses insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Do whatever is necessary to shed pounds and successfully treat metabolic syndrome.