He excess fat around the abdomen It is an increasingly common feature in many societies.

In the United States, for example, one in three people suffers from this syndrome or one of its components, according to a study published in the journal Journal of the American Medical Association. This pathology also increases with age: research concludes that people suffer from it in that country nearly half of people aged 60 or older.

A diet with excess sugars and fats, a sedentary lifestyle, favored by long hours of work in front of the PC and lack of physical exercise are some of the causes of this disorder.

Although he metabolic syndromewhich actually defines a group of disorders present simultaneously in the organism, is not a disease in itself, increases the risk to suffer more than one.

The best measure to avoid this syndrome is prevention. Leading a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, exercising and avoiding alcohol are some of the good habits to follow.

What is metabolic syndrome

THE Mayo Clinicfrom the United States, defines metabolic syndrome as “a group of disorders that co-occur and increase the risk of suffer from heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes”.

It adds that “these disorders include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal levels of cholesterol or triglycerides.”

In other words, the big life, or having an apple-shaped body in men, or a pear-shaped body in womenit is the most visible symptom of someone who may have the syndrome.

People suffering from the disorder are at increased risk of various diseases. THE US National Institutes of Health list the following: coronary heart disease, erectile dysfunction, heart failure, damage to the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, or kidneys, polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy complications, sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, stroke, and type 2 diabetes .

Lack of physical activity, overweight and obesity are the causes main causes of metabolic syndrome, also linked to resistance to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates the entry of sugars.

“In people with insulin resistance, cells do not respond normally to this hormone and glucose cannot enter them as easily. Consequentially, blood glucose levels increase even when the body produces more insulin to try to lower blood sugar levels”, explains the prestigious Mayo Clinic.

The risk of this disorder increases with age, being overweight, or if the person has had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, or sleep apnea.

Prevention involves the transportation of a a healthy lifestyle For avoid, in particular, overweight and obesityboth on the rise across most of the West.

Carry out physical activity (even if he walks) 30 minutes a day; eat several portions of fruits and vegetablesFurthermore lean proteins and whole grains; limit the consumption of salt and saturated fats; drink less alcohol and don’t smoke These are some of the best tips to prevent the syndrome.