We know of many visible signs for certain health conditions. For example, it’s easy to spot someone with a cold or the flu. However, it’s not every day you hear someone say, ‘Oh look, that person has metabolic syndrome.’

Rarely do people get ‘health-alarmed’ by their increasing weight and enlarged waistline and abdomen, either. You don’t hear anyone saying, ‘Oh no! I could get metabolic syndrome if I am not careful!’ You’re more likely to hear them complain about their clothes getting too tight or their appearance.

Many of us think that being fat is just that, being fat. However, being fat is not just that. There are serious health consequences that can develop, including metabolic syndrome. Obesity is certainly a visible sign of metabolic syndrome. Continue reading →

Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of complications. By its sheer nature, it is a cluster of health conditions that occur simultaneously, and as such, complicates your health in many other ways.

If you have three or more of the following conditions, abdominal obesity, high triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol, high blood sugar (resulting from insulin resistance), and high blood pressure, you may be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Now, each of these has its own set of complications! By adding three or more to the mix you can develop even more serious complications.

The presence of any one of the five conditions does not immediately signify metabolic syndrome, so your doctor will conduct a series of tests. However, the presence of at least three can lead to metabolic syndrome and increase your risk of developing grave health problems that can ultimately be life-threatening. Continue reading →