Fertility Center of Las Vegas

Pregnancy Nutrition Update
I have Metabolic Syndrome what should I do?

Q.Dear Lory, R.D.

I have been told by my family doctor that I have metabolic syndrome or syndrome X. He really did not explain thoroughly, something about being overweight and having a large waist. I am 5’6” and I weigh 269 lbs,  my waist is 40”. Can you tell me more about metabolic syndrome and what I should be doing to treat it?

Melanie,
Phoenix, Arizona

A. Dear Melanie,
Metabolic Syndrome (aka Syndrome X) is not a disease in itself, but a cluster of interlinked conditions that when present at one time, increase risk for diabetes, heart disease and premature death.

What we look for in both men and women would be central obesity, or carrying most of your body weight in your abdominal region, high blood pressure, high blood triglycerides (blood fats), low levels of high density lipoproteins (good cholesterol) and insulin resistance.

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the criteria for diagnosing Metabolic Syndrome is as follows:

Abdominal Obesity-
Men: Greater than 40” waist
Women: Greater than 35” waist

Triglyceride Level- 150mg/dL or more for Men and Women or taking medication to control triglycerides

High Density Lipoproteins (HDL)
Men: Less than 40mg/dL or taking medication for low HDL
Women: less than 50mg/dL or taking medication for low HDL

Blood Pressure- 130/85 mmHg or higher, or taking medication to control blood pressure

Fasting blood sugar: 100mg/dL or higher, or taking medication to control blood sugar

A diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is made if three or more of these conditions are present. According to the American Heart Association, more than 50 million Americans have metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic Syndrome is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle such as too many calories in compared to calories burned through activity, poor choices in food quality, and the subsequent weight gain from the excess calories.

I suggest you meet with a registered dietitian for evaluation of your current dietary and lifestyle habits. Small changes now will bring about many health benefits later. You should bring along your current lab work  (triglycerides, HDL, and fasting glucose) if available and know your current blood pressure numbers. It is also helpful to have a list of medications and supplements you may be taking.

Sincerely,

Lory, R.D.

Got Nutrition Questions? Ask Me Now!

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Lory Hayon, B.S., R.D.
Registered Dietitian & Nutritionist.
Lory@FertilityCenterLV.com