Metabolic syndrome is a disorder that includes symptoms such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension, and is often found in a large number of middle age and older adults. Factors that influence the prevalence of metabolic syndrome are wide and diverse, yet the main factors include diet and other lifestyle behaviors. These lifestyle factors may include avoiding stress, as well as promoting exercise and physical fitness, both of which decrease the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome later in life. Genetics can also be an influence in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in both children and adults, yet this can often be controlled through lifestyle modifications and medications.
Occurring in one out of three adults, metabolic disorder results in high cases of obesity, diabetes and hypertension. One of the most common influences on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is poor diet. Choosing a diet high in refined carbohydrates and low in healthy fats, as found in breads, pasta and sugar, can decrease the sensitivity of insulin on cell receptors and increase circulating blood glucose in the body. This can result in diabetes if the diet remains unchanged, requiring insulin injections and other diabetes treatments to maintain normal blood sugar.
A diet high in sodium can also increase the chances of developing some of the symptoms of metabolic syndrome, including uncontrolled weight gain and blood pressure. Excessive sodium can increase hypertension, a common symptom of metabolic disorder. A lifestyle with lots of stress may also contribute to increasing the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Proper stress management techniques, as well as dietary and exercise modifications, may be helpful in decreasing the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome.
Individuals who lead a sedentary lifestyle are more common to develop metabolic syndrome later in life, as lack of movement can contribute to diabetes, weight gain and hypertension. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is seen in a high proportion of children and teens due to low activity level. Main factors that increase the prevalence in these age groups include an increased use of electronics like computers and televisions. Lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and diet, are probably the best known prevention and treatment techniques to decrease metabolic syndrome in children, adults and teens.