Metabolic Syndrome (cont.)
How common is metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is quite common. Approximately 20%-30%
of the population in industrialized countries have metabolic syndrome. By the
year 2010, the metabolic syndrome is expected to affect 50-75 million people in the US alone.
What causes metabolic syndrome?
As is true with many medical conditions, genetics and
the environment both play important roles in the development of the metabolic syndrome.
Genetic factors influence each individual component of the syndrome, and the
syndrome itself. A family history that includes type 2 diabetes, hypertension,
and early heart disease greatly increases the chance that an individual will
develop the metabolic syndrome.
Environmental issues such as low activity level,
sedentary lifestyle, and progressive weight gain also contribute significantly to the risk of developing
the metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome is present in about 5% of people with normal body weight,
22% of those who are overweight and 60% of those considered obese. Adults who
continue to gain five or more pounds per year raise their risk of developing
metabolic syndrome by up to 45%.
While obesity itself is likely the greatest risk factor, others factors of
concern include:
Next: Why should I know about metabolic syndrome? »
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