Metabolic syndrome, commonly known as Metabolic Syndrome, which we often hear about recently, refers to obesity centered on the abdomen. It is often compared to "a protruding stomach" or "an apple-shaped body".
In addition, metabolic syndrome and obesity do not show any particular symptoms, and if left untreated, various diseases will occur.
Metabolic syndrome and obesity are similar, but they are actually a little different.
This article summarizes the differences, complications, and improvement methods between metabolic syndrome and obesity. By preventing obesity and metabolic syndrome, you can improve your quality of life and extend your healthy life expectancy.
table of contents
1. What is metabolic syndrome (visceral fat obesity)?
Metabolic syndrome is a condition in which fat accumulates around the internal organs and arteriosclerosis is likely to occur.
A waist circumference of 85 cm or more for men and 90 cm or more for women is one indicator of metabolic syndrome. In addition, if two or more of the following apply, a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is made.
- systolic blood pressure is 130mmHg or more and diastolic blood pressure is 85mmHg or more
- Fasting blood sugar ≥ 110 mg/dL
- Neutral fat (triglyceride) 150 mg/dL or more and HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) less than 40 mg/dL
Below, the Japan Lifestyle-related Disease Prevention Association explains BMI values, etc., so please refer to them as well.
reference:Japan Lifestyle Disease Prevention Association
2. Difference between metabolic syndrome and obesity
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a higher risk of arteriosclerosis than obesity.
A BMI of 22, which indicates the degree of obesity, is standard, but a BMI of 25 or higher is the diagnostic criteria for obesity. Furthermore, obesity is diagnosed when one or more of the 11 types of complications due to obesity are found, or when excessive visceral fat accumulation is confirmed.
Also, BMI is an important factor in diagnosing obesity, but metabolic syndrome does not emphasize BMI. In addition, excessive accumulation of visceral fat reduces the secretion of good hormones that prevent arteriosclerosis. Therefore, those diagnosed with metabolic syndrome are more likely to develop arteriosclerosis.
Below, the Japan Society for the Study of Obesity describes the causes and precautions for obesity, so please check them as well.
reference:Japan Obesity Society
3. Symptoms and complications to watch out for in metabolic syndrome and obesity
Arteriosclerosis is one of the major causes of metabolic syndrome and obesity.
Blood vessels with arteriosclerosis are fragile and easily clogged, leading to arteriosclerotic diseases such as myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, and aortic aneurysm.
3-1. high blood pressure
High blood pressure is mainly caused by eating too much salt.
In recent years, however, hypertension associated with obesity and increased visceral fat has increased, especially among young to middle-aged men.
Blood pressure is normally maintained by hormones and the autonomic nervous system. On the other hand, when the accumulation of visceral fat increases, the secretion of substances that raise blood pressure increases, disrupting the autonomic nervous system and hormone balance. As a result, excess water and salt build up in the body, causing blood vessels to constrict more than necessary and blood pressure to rise.
A sudden increase in blood pressure can cause headaches and nausea.
Continuing high blood pressure puts a heavy load on the arteries, which gradually hardens and causes arteriosclerosis.
Below, the e-health net of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare also explains detailed values of high blood pressure, so if you are interested, please check it out.
reference:Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare: e-Healthnet "Hypertension"
3-2. Dyslipidemia
Metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia due to obesity progress when an unbalanced diet or greasy diet increases.
Dyslipidemia is a condition in which triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) in the body increase and good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) decreases.
Good cholesterol removes bad cholesterol from the walls of blood vessels and prevents arteriosclerosis. However, when the bad cholesterol increases, the blood becomes muddy and the blood vessels become clogged easily.
Dyslipidemia has no symptoms. It is often discovered during a health checkup, and if it is pointed out, it needs to be improved, so be careful.
3-3. Diabetes
When visceral fat accumulates due to metabolic syndrome or obesity, bad factors that impair the action of insulin are secreted from adipocytes.
If this condition continues, the blood sugar level rises and there is a risk of diabetes, so caution is required. Also, blood vessels exposed to hyperglycemia are damaged and cannot be easily restored.
Complications of diabetes can damage all parts of the body, and if it becomes severe, it can lead to myocardial infarction, blindness, renal failure, and amputation of the leg if the wound does not heal. If your doctor determines that your blood sugar is poorly controlled and you need to lose weight due to obesity, you may need to be hospitalized for treatment.
In recent years, it has been reported that diabetes is associated with dementia and that the risk of cancer is increased by about 20%, so caution is required.
Our media also published detailed articles about diabetes in the past. If you are interested, please take a look at the causes and countermeasures for diabetes. In addition, the National Center for Global Health and Medicine's "Relationship between Diabetes and Cancer" will also be posted.
reference:HELENE: characteristics of people prone to diabetes
reference:National Center for Global Health and Medicine "Relationship between Diabetes and Cancer"
4. Causes of metabolic syndrome and obesity
Metabolic syndrome and obesity are caused by overeating, overdrinking, and lack of exercise.
Just like some people are busy with work and don't have time to exercise, lack of exercise can happen to anyone. Work and family stress often leads to increased eating and drinking.
Due to the decline in metabolic function due to aging, more and more people are concerned about their stomach circumference and weight after their 40s. When the calorie intake exceeds the energy expenditure, it is stored as visceral fat and subcutaneous fat. To prevent obesity, it is important to reduce calorie intake and increase energy expenditure.
5. Metabolic syndrome and obesity lead to treatment and prevention by improving lifestyle habits
There is no silver bullet for metabolic syndrome or obesity. Everything is a state in which daily lifestyle habits appear in the body.
Visceral fat, which causes metabolic syndrome, tends to accumulate in the body, so it may be eliminated by moving the body through exercise. Therefore, not only metabolic syndrome but also obesity can be improved by practicing nutritionally balanced diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.
<Prevention method>
- Refrain from greasy foods and incorporate a diet rich in vegetables and seaweed
- Use a pedometer to incorporate exercise into your daily life and be aware of the distance you walk
- reduce the number of cigarettes, quit smoking
- drink less
Below, the Longevity Science Advancement Foundation also explains details about metabolic syndrome.
reference:Foundation for the Promotion of Longevity Science "Improvement of Metabolic Syndrome"
6. Summary: Metabolic syndrome and obesity can be dealt with by reviewing lifestyle habits
Metabolic syndrome and obesity, if left untreated, can lead to hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes, and can cause great damage to blood vessels throughout the body.
Metabolic syndrome and obesity should not be ignored just because they are not diseases, and countermeasures should be taken to improve them. Working generations are busy with their daily work and lives, and tend to neglect their own lives. Your body now represents your daily routine.
If you are told that you have metabolic syndrome or obesity, it is important to first look back on your life and find out what the problem is. Aim for a healthy lifestyle by following a regular diet and exercising.
Supervision: Dr. Yasushi Tsuda