Prevention of metabolic syndrome
What is metabolic syndrome? The metabolic syndrome is characterized by visceral (internal) obesity in combination with various disorders. It is believed that people who are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome according to all criteria are most susceptible to diseases such as cerebral stroke and myocardial infarction in the future.
Why is the type of internal (visceral) obesity dangerous?
Visceral fat secretes various biologically active substances (for example, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, etc.). With the visceral type of obesity, this secretion becomes abnormal. As a result, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, "bad cholesterol" (low-density lipoprotein) levels, etc. rise. The more metabolic disorders, the faster atherosclerosis progresses and the risk of developing myocardial infarction or stroke increases.
Obesity is divided into 2 types: visceral and subcutaneous.
Type of visceral obesity
In this case, fat accumulates in the abdominal cavity (around the internal organs).
With metabolic syndrome, it is this type of obesity that is harmful to health!
Type of subcutaneous obesity
In this case, fat accumulates in the subcutaneous tissue.
Getting rid of subcutaneous fat is more difficult than getting rid of visceral fat.
How to measure visceral fat?
1. Measuring the girth of the abdomen. The easiest way is to measure the circumference of your belly at the level of your belly button. An ordinary centimeter tape will help us with this.
2. Method of bioelectrical impedance. Recently, both expensive devices for medical purposes and devices for home use have been sold.
3. Method using computed tomography. On a computer tomograph, the abdomen is scanned and, using a special program, the volume of fat is measured. This method, unlike others, allows you to see the internal (visceral) fat.
Frequently asked Questions.
Is metabolic syndrome related to lifestyle?
Lifestyle-related diseases are diseases that develop as a result of malnutrition, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, drinking alcohol. This group of diseases includes oncological diseases, strokes, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, etc. Metabolic syndrome is a visceral type of obesity associated with 2 or more of the following conditions: elevated blood glucose, elevated blood cholesterol, and hypertension. With metabolic syndrome, the risk of atherosclerosis increases, and as a result, the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction increases.
What kind of people are prone to developing metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome most often occurs in middle-aged and elderly men who do not eat well, drink alcohol daily, and lead a sedentary lifestyle. In women, metabolic disorders occur mainly during menopause.
Who should be screened for metabolic syndrome?
An examination for metabolic syndrome is recommended if the waist circumference is more than 85 cm in men and more than 90 cm in women.
- Who can be examined to determine the volume of visceral fat on a computed tomography?
Anyone can undergo such an examination, however, this examination is undesirable for pregnant women, as it is carried out using radiation. Those who wish to undergo such an examination should contact a diagnostic institution that has a CT machine.
- How long does it take to determine the volume of visceral fat using CT?
The scan itself takes about 1 second. Taking into account the time spent on preparation, the study takes about 5 minutes.
- Do I need any special preparation/diet before the study?
No, diet and preparation is not required.
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