The Skinny on Weight Loss Are you at risk for metabolic syndrome?

The Health hazards of metabolic syndrome aka Syndrome "X" are devastating. Central obesity, hypertension, Type II insulin resistant diabetes and elevated cholesterol are the manifestations where only two of these symptoms are diagnostic of this condition. But as I have mentioned in previous articles, many other health risks are associated with obesity and hyperinsulinemia such as stroke, cancer, heart disease, digestive problems, breathing problems including sleep apnea, arthritis, sex hormone problems, kidney disease and thyroid disorder.

Maintaining the condition that can set you up for these diseases is a little like playing Russian Roulette. The subconscious thought that "It won't happen to me," results in some folks wishing that they could now do almost anything to rid themselves of the fate that has befallen them. In the end it is choices we make, acting on what we know or suffering the consequences. Over and over I have watched as some of my patients have come in with a recent diagnosis of these diseases or have recently gone through surgery or chemotherapy or are now on medications to treat a condition (often not the cause of the condition).

We know that obvious central obesity is one of the best indicators of risk (an abdominal measurement of 35 inches or more for females and 40 inches for men, but some men will be at risk at 37-39 inches according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute). But there are those who are of normal weight but are considered obese based on their percentage of body fat. This is called "normal weight obesity."

One of the saddest things for me is the patient who now wants to lose weight and reset their overactive pancreas that is causing hyperinsulinemia (too much insulin in the blood which is the underlying cause of the metabolic syndrome) but they have already been diagnosed with cancer or have had a recent heart attack and their condition now has their complete and undivided attention. Unfortunately for people with cancer they sometimes cannot do the Ideal Protein Diet/Treatment for three years after they are in remission unless they have approval from their oncologist. For those who have had a heart attack they must wait three months from the event.

So why don't we take action? Is it that we aren't willing to believe it will happen to us or do we need to see the computer generated body composition results with the hard number telling us that our percent body fat shows we are at risk? If the latter is the case we are offering a free bioimpedence body composition to show what risk factor you may be at. Just call our office during the month of December to schedule a free bioimpedence body composition. Come on Coeur d' Alene, lets shape up and get healthy together.

Please call (208) 772-6015 for directions or to attend a free introductory class on the Ideal Protein Diet/treatment and physiology of weight gain and loss.