Volume 11 Issue 7
Metabolic syndrome in apparently fit adults: hidden health risks and preventative strategies
1Muhammad Afzal, 2Fazal Mohammad, 3Nadia Niaz, 4Hamdan Yunus, 5Asia Asim
1 Assistant Prof, Avicenna Medical College2Baluchistan Institute of Nephro Urology Quetta3Baluchistan Institute of Nephro Urology Quetta4PIMS5CPSP, Karachi
Correspondence: Muhammad Afzal, Assistant Prof, Avicenna Medical College
Abstract
Background: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) refers to a group of metabolic disorders that provoke insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia and central obesity that put patients at risk of developing diseases like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Although MetS is known to affect mostly the middle-aged, overweigh and overweight sedentary individuals there is rising evidence that adults who look healthy also have this menace hidden in them.
Aim: In this research, the objectives are to establish the current incidence rate of MetS among apparently fit adults, the various health risks associated with MetS, and the measures that can be taken to prevent occurrence of the disease in such individuals.
Method: The study design used in the present study was cross-sectional and the participants were 500 adults 25-60 years of age, who were categorized as fit because of regular exercise and normal BMI. Metabolic evaluations were done on the participants, these entailed blood tests, blood pressure and abdominal circumference measurements. Cardiovascular endurance was assessed by VO2 max and the body composition was also assessed. Statistical methods of correlation and regression were used to test the fitness levels against the prevalence of MetS.
Results: Out Of the apparently fit adults, 18 percent were diagnosed to be having MetS, with central obesity and raised blood pressure acting as the most dominant components. MetS was significantly more common in participants with moderate fitness level (24%) than in participants with high fitness level (12%). Age and stress were withstood as demographic predictors of MetS in this study.
Conclusion: These results show that it is critical to include metabolic tests in apparently healthy adult clients and draw attention to the fact that poor nutrition and stress can lead to such a dangerous condition as MetS. These risks have to be mitigated to enhance later life health in this population by public health interventions.
Keywords: Metabolic Syndrome, physical fitness, health risks, prevalence, preventative strategies, metabolic health, public health.