Metabolic Syndrome (เมทาบอลิกซินโดรม) and Abdominal Obesity

Metabolic Syndrome is a condition caused by the body’s metabolic system malfunctioning, leading to central obesity, overweight, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high blood lipids. These conditions, if persistent, can result in coronary artery disease, myocardial ischemia, and stroke, which may cause hemiplegia or paralysis.

What is Central Obesity?

Central Obesity is the accumulation of fat in the abdominal area. This fat causes inflammatory reactions, hormonal imbalances, and insulin resistance. When insulin action is impaired, blood sugar accumulates, eventually leading to diabetes.

Criteria for Diagnosing Metabolic Syndrome

To assess whether a patient has metabolic syndrome, at least 3 out of the following 5 criteria must be met:

1. Waist circumference: Men ≥ 36 inches or 90 centimeters, Women ≥ 32 inches or 80 centimeters
2. Fasting blood sugar level ≥ 100 mg/dL or diagnosed with diabetes
3. Blood triglyceride (TG) level ≥ 150 mg/dL
4. HDL cholesterol level < 40 mg/dL in men and < 50 mg/dL in women
5. Blood pressure ≥ 130/85 mmHg or receiving treatment for hypertension

Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome

Treatment of metabolic syndrome can be done in three main ways:

1. Behavioral modification by controlling the quantity and type of food intake appropriately, focusing on protein, supplemented with vegetables and fruits, reducing starchy and high-fat foods such as fried and stir-fried dishes, and reducing salty or high-sodium foods.
2. Regular exercise focusing on cardio or aerobic exercise, combined with muscle-strengthening exercises, at least 3 times per week for 30-60 minutes each session. Additionally, calorie intake should be controlled to help reduce weight, strengthen the heart, improve blood pressure, and lower blood sugar and bad cholesterol levels, which benefits long-term health.
3. Use of appetite-suppressing medications or gastric surgery for weight loss is suitable for individuals with severe obesity who have not responded to other methods. Consultation with a physician and specialist discretion is required.