Describe what is meant by the metabolic syndrome. What is a potential cause of metabolic syndrome?

Answer 1

Several diet-related risk factors for CVD—low blood HDL cholesterol, high blood triglycerides, high blood pressure, elevated fasting blood glucose (insulin resistance), and central obesity—comprise a cluster of health risks known as metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome underlies several chronic diseases and increases the risk of CVD and type 2 diabetes. The precise cause of metabolic syndrome is not known, but central obesity and insulin resistance are thought to be primary factors in its development. Metabolic syndrome, like the chronic diseases associated with it, involves inflammation and elevates the risk for thrombosis. Even obesity alone, especially central obesity, raises LDL cholesterol, lowers HDL cholesterol, raises blood pressure, and promotes insulin resistance. The opposite also holds true: weight loss and physical activity lower LDL, raise HDL, improve insulin sensitivity, and lower blood pressure.