Today, diseases of the heart and blood vessels account for the largest number of deaths in developed countries. Metabolic syndrome has been found to be one of the most serious risk factors for these diseases.

The cause lies in our modern lifestyle

Metabolic syndrome is a condition caused by overeating and too little physical activity. Obesity with a large amount of abdominal fat usually leads to pathological changes in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, because the metabolism of fats and sugars is closely linked to the important hormone insulin. When the body’s cells become insensitive (resistant) to insulin, blood sugar levels can no longer fall as they should. At the same time, blood fat levels rise, as does blood pressure, because insulin causes water and salt to be retained in the kidneys. This upsets the fluid balance in the vascular system.

Over time, deposits known as plaques form in the blood vessels. Blood can no longer flow freely through these narrowed sections. The limbs and, in the worst case, vital organs such as the heart, brain or kidneys stop receiving enough blood.

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of abnormalities in various parameters which, like pieces of a puzzle, together make up the condition. To diagnose metabolic syndrome, the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation must be met:

— abdominal obesity (a waist circumference of 80 cm or more in women or 94 cm or more in men) together with at least two of the following:

  • blood triglycerides of 150 mg/dl or higher (or treatment for raised triglycerides);
  • low cholesterol — below 50 in women, below 40 in men;
  • blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg or higher (or treatment for high blood pressure);
  • fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dl or higher (or treatment for type 2 diabetes).

Each of these disorders is in itself a risk factor for other diseases. In combination, they can significantly increase the risk of developing potentially life-threatening conditions.

Taken together, these disorders increase the risk of diabetes and of heart disease in the form of angina (heart attacks) or myocardial infarction (blood clots in the heart).

The atherosclerosis associated with long-standing metabolic syndrome affects the heart and every artery in the body, and can also cause narrowing of the arteries in the legs and stroke.

Metabolic syndrome and obesity

Excess weight is always bad for your health. The most dangerous form, however, is abdominal (or central) obesity, in which fatty tissue accumulates around the waist. For many years, scientists have tried to explain the rapid rise in recent years in the number of people who meet the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome. One hypothesis goes back to the era of the cave dweller, who lived in a cycle of feast and famine. In times of plenty, he could eat his fill and store fat, which he then used during periods of hunger. This kept him lean. The modern human body is in a state of permanent satiety. We constantly store fatty tissue because that is how our bodies are programmed — yet we rarely have the opportunity to burn off all those reserves.

Metabolic syndrome is a serious problem, mainly in developed countries, where most people lead a sedentary life. It is generally more common in women than in men, and its incidence increases with age.

If you have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, high-quality treatment is essential.

For treatment in Switzerland, a department of dietetics will help you with metabolic syndrome. Dietetics in Switzerland, like every other medical specialty in the country, is highly developed and based on advanced treatment and therapy methods.

Treatment of metabolic syndrome consists of a healthy diet designed by your doctor and a specially selected exercise programme.

Start today

Treating metabolic syndrome means addressing several factors. Here is what you can do, starting tomorrow:

  • Eat better. Follow a diet rich in wholegrain foods, fruit, vegetables, skinless poultry, fish, nuts, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, lean meat and plant protein. Limit processed foods, saturated and trans fats, red meat, salt and sugars.
  • Be active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week. Walking is the easiest place to start, but you may find something else you enjoy that raises your heart rate. If needed, split your exercise into several short sessions over the day to reach your goal.

Physiotherapy in Switzerland offers every kind of activity, from movement, sport and physical exercise to personal training and fitness sessions.

  • Lose weight. Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by losing weight successfully and keeping it off. Find out your recommended calorie intake, the number of calories you consume from food and the calories you burn at different levels of physical activity. Balance healthy eating with a healthy level of exercise to reach your goals. The dietetics department in Switzerland will help you calculate all of this and design a diet tailored to you.