Metabolic Syndrome: A new Epidemic?
Just like the AIDS epidemic took the United States by surprise in the 1980s, a new epidemic has snuck up on us . . . and some are predicting disastrous effects. A surge in the number of adolescents diagnosed with metabolic syndrome has health professionals fearing for the future of America’s youth and scrambling to find causes and cures for the epidemic.
The problem inspired two studies published this week. In one, researchers report a link between tobacco smoke and an increased risk of metabolic syndrome in teens. The second study discusses a way for doctors to identify high-risk children by their waist circumference.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that are considered to be a precursor to several deadly diseases including premature diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
The syndrome is most often seen in children and teens who are overweight.
Researchers found the adolescents were five-times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome if they were exposed to secondhand smoke. If the teens were smokers themselves the risk went up to six-times compared to that of a child not exposed to smoke.
Overweight youngsters therefore are especially at risk.
Researchers defined children with the syndrome as having at least three of the following conditions:
1. Waist circumference in or above the 90th percentile for age and sex
2. Blood pressure in or above the 90th percentile for age, sex and height
3. High levels of triglycerides, low levels of “good” cholesterol; and higher levels of fasting glucose.
Researchers also found that moderate and higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (read - regular exercise) are associated with a significantly lower risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
Reference - Ivanhoe Medical Breakthrough
American Heart Association Journal links - Tobacco smoke raises risk of metabolic syndrome in teens, Increased fitness level fights metabolic syndrome
Powered by MightyAdsense
