The health condition that could be hindering your weight loss efforts.
It’s no surprise that much of the country is considered to be in poor health. In fact, most of the country is statistically at risk for chronic disease for reasons that are often preventable. One sign that a serious health event or diagnosis is near is when a patient starts to display symptoms of metabolic syndrome.
What is metabolic syndrome ... and do I have it?
Affecting about 1 in 3 adults in the U.S., metabolic syndrome, also referred to as ‘insulin resistance syndrome’ is defined as having a group of health conditions that increase your risk for endocrine and cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and heart attacks. There are many contributing causes of metabolic syndrome, the main two being weight and insulin resistance (we screen all patients for this).
As more fat cells surround the abdomen region, more free fatty acids circulate which in return, increases blood sugar levels. As your sugar levels get higher, your body secretes more insulin to bring your blood sugars back down. Overtime, this excessive and constant blood sugar spike ‘cycle’ can lead to insulin resistance.
Metabolic syndrome is often diagnosed if a person has three or more of the following conditions:
- Large waist circumference
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar levels
- High blood triglycerides
- Low HDL (“good”) cholesterol
If you are consistently eating healthy foods and working out but not seeing the number on the scale move, this is also a telltale sign that you may be insulin resistant – and consequently, unable to process glucose correctly.
Now let's focus on the good news.
Metabolic syndrome is hugely preventable and even reversible with the correct lifestyle changes. Medication can also assist to help reverse metabolic syndrome so that your body can metabolize food properly and get rid of the excess fat in your fat cells. Here at Diata Health, we take an evidence based, nutrition-first approach to food consumption, teaching patients how to stabilize blood sugars and create a more metabolically balanced hormone system. This often will vary from patient to patient depending on blood work, past medical history, and individual health goals. We guide and support patients when choosing weight loss goals that will statistically put you at less risk for disease and future health decline as well as educate you on heart healthy food choices, creating a long lasting foundation for nutritious eating, rather than “weight loss” only foods.
While prevalent and scary, you can take steps today to ensure you are never a part of a disease statistic by getting ahead of metabolic syndrome. Weight loss is possible for everyone. You are worth it and we are here to help.
To get started on your health journey today, email hello@diatahealth.com to set up your free consultation.
