The 5 criteria of the metabolic syndrome (woman/man)

Metabolic syndrome, sometimes called syndrome X where the “belly syndrome”” corresponds to the association of several disorders related to the presence of excess fat inside the belly, defines Inserm. In France, nearlyone in five people would be affected. What are the physical and biological criteria which enable the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome to be made? What are the causes ? How to treat it?

THE metabolic syndrome (or syndrome X) is a set of symptoms resulting from metabolic disorders. This syndrome is diagnosed when the person has a large waistline (greater than 94 cm for men and 80 cm for women, hence the name “belly syndrome”) and at least two other abnormalities among the following:

• hyperglycaemia (excess sugar in the blood),
• high triglyceride levels,
• low levels of “good” HDL cholesterol,
• too high blood pressure.

Treatment and prevention are based on a healthy lifestyle (adapted diet, practice of physical activity) and the taking of certain drugs (hypoglycemic agents, aspirin, etc.) in particular to regulate blood pressure, hyperglycemia or blood sugar levels. blood lipids. in the event of a proven complication.

Over time, metabolic syndrome greatly increases the risk of developing sometimes very serious health problems:

• cardiovascular diseases (myocardial infarction, stroke),
• type 2 diabetes
• liver diseases (NASH, cirrhosis)
• kidney disease
• sleep apnea
• gynecological disorders (polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS).

1. Abdominal fat and waistline (“fat belly”)

Abdominal overweight is harmful to the body: the fat is located in the viscera. The risk of metabolic syndrome is increased when the waist circumference is greater than 94 centimeters in men, and 80 centimeters in women. The waist/hip ratio is generally high: at least 0.9 for men, and 0.85 for women.

2. High blood pressure

High blood pressure poses health risks. “In the case of metabolic syndrome, blood pressure is usually above 140/90 millimeters of mercury“, reports Pr Nathalie Jeandidier, metabolic endocrinologist at the University Hospital of Strasbourg.

3. High blood sugar

Blood sugar is the level of glucose in the blood. “Metabolic syndrome is often manifested by high fasting blood sugar: greater than or equal to 1.10 grams and less than 1.26g/l (diabetes) per liter of blood“, details Pr Nathalie Jeandidier, metabolic endocrinologist at the University Hospital of Strasbourg.

4. Lower Good Cholesterol

HDL lipoproteins are the “good” cholesterol. They rid the arteries of “bad” cholesterol by transporting it to the liver. A low cholesterol level is one of the biological factors of the metabolic syndrome: it is less than 0.40 grams per liter of blood in men and less than 0.50 grams per liter of blood in women.

5. High triglycerides

Triglycerides are lipids, often derived from alcohol, fatty substances and sugar. Too high a rate, greater than 1.5 grams per liter of blood, indicates hypertriglyceridemia, and is one of the characteristic signs of the metabolic syndrome.

The onset of the syndrome is favored by:

• A lack of physical activity
• A sedentary lifestyle
• A poor diet

The metabolic syndrome remains asymptomatic for a long time. Apart from the high belly circumference which can give a physical indication, it is difficult to detect a metabolic syndrome.

Diagnosis of metabolic syndrome can be made by a general practitioner. The doctor asks questions about the family history, and performs a clinical examination and then a blood test. Metabolic syndrome is detected when the patient has a high belly circumference and at least 2 of the 4 characteristics listed above (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides and low levels of good cholesterol).

The most important thing is to rebalance your diet and to respect a varied and balanced diet. “For this, it is recommended to limit its intake of simple sugars and fat.“, recommends Professor Jeandidier. Among the foods to limit:

• the cold cuts,
• sugary drinks,
• cheese.

Preferred foods:

• the fruits,
• the vegetables,
• Poultry,
• whole grains.

Metabolic syndrome is primarily a result of lifestyle. To treat it effectively, it is therefore mainly to improve the hygiene of life. Thus, it is recommended to practice regular physical activity and to avoid a sedentary lifestyle as much as possible. It is recommended to lose weight and fight overweight and obesity. Diet is also the basis of treatment for metabolic syndrome. It must be healthy and balanced. For a healthy lifestyle, avoid tobacco and alcohol. Regular medical monitoring is also recommended.

Thanks to Pr Nathalie Jeandidier, metabolic endocrinologist at the University Hospital of Strasbourg.

Source: To avoid a flop – What is metabolic syndrome? INSERM