What Is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a serious health condition that affects millions of people, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. While some causes of metabolic syndrome may be unavoidable, many metabolic syndrome risk factors can be prevented — which can, in turn, lower your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other problems.

At Modern Aesthetics in Roseville and Walnut Creek, CA, board-certified physician and wellness specialist Dr. Shahzad Anwar helps patients understand and manage metabolic syndrome and related conditions. With a focus on personalized care and wellness, Dr. Anwar is dedicated to improving his patients' long-term health outcomes. Find answers to common metabolic syndrome FAQ here, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of conditions that occur together, raising the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. These conditions can include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Having just one of these conditions doesn't mean you have metabolic syndrome, but having several of them can increase your risk of developing serious health issues. Some of the primary characteristics of metabolic syndrome include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High blood sugar levels
• Excess abdominal fat
• Low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol)
• High triglyceride levels

What causes metabolic syndrome?

Several factors can contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and underlying health conditions. People who are overweight or obese, lead a sedentary lifestyle, or have a family history of metabolic disorders are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Insulin resistance, where the body becomes less responsive to the hormone insulin, is also a major contributor to metabolic syndrome. Other contributing factors may include:

• Poor diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Hormonal imbalances
• Age (risk increases as you get older)
• Smoking

It's important to note that while genetics may play a role, lifestyle changes can greatly reduce your risk of developing metabolic syndrome and its associated complications.

How is metabolic syndrome treated?

Treatment for metabolic syndrome typically involves making lifestyle changes to address the individual components of the condition, which may be accompanied by medical intervention. For example, losing weight can greatly reduce many patients' metabolic syndrome risk, and medical weight management — including weight loss injections, HCG therapy, and others — can aid in weight loss efforts. Dr. Anwar at Modern Aesthetics works closely with patients to develop personalized wellness plans that focus on improving their overall health and reducing the risk of complications. Some common recommendations for managing metabolic syndrome include:

• Adopting a healthy diet
• Increasing physical activity
• Losing excess weight
• Quitting smoking
• Managing stress levels
• Taking prescribed medications as directed

By following a comprehensive treatment plan, many patients are able to reverse or manage the effects of metabolic syndrome and significantly reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Do you have to get treatment for metabolic syndrome?

If left untreated, metabolic syndrome can lead to more serious complications such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for reducing the risk of associated problems, keeping unwanted and disruptive symptoms under control, and preserving long-term health and wellness.

Take charge of your long-term health with evaluation and treatment for metabolic syndrome in Roseville and Walnut Creek, CA

If you are concerned about your risk of developing metabolic syndrome or are experiencing symptoms related to high blood pressure, high blood sugar, or weight gain, it's important to seek medical care to obtain a firm diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment to get the relief you deserve.

At Modern Aesthetics in Roseville and Walnut Creek, CA, board-certified physician and wellness specialist Dr. Shahzad Anwar is committed to helping patients improve their health and wellness through personalized care for metabolic syndrome and associated health problems. Contact our caring team today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better health and improved quality of life overall.