Metabolic syndrome facts for kids

Metabolic syndrome is a group of health problems that can happen at the same time. When you have these issues, it means you have a higher chance of getting serious conditions. These include heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. About one in four people in the United States have metabolic syndrome.

Doctors started noticing these health problems together a long time ago, even in the 1920s. The name "metabolic syndrome" became common in the late 1970s. It helps doctors talk about these linked health risks.

What is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome isn't a single disease. Instead, it's a combination of several risk factors. These factors increase your risk for other health problems. Think of it like different puzzle pieces that fit together. When you have enough of these pieces, it forms metabolic syndrome.

Having metabolic syndrome means your body isn't processing energy or storing fat as well as it should. This can lead to problems with your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

Key Health Issues Linked to Metabolic Syndrome

There are several important health issues that are part of metabolic syndrome. If you have three or more of these, you might have metabolic syndrome.

High Blood Sugar

• Raised blood sugar: This means the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood is higher than normal. Your body uses glucose for energy. But too much can be harmful. High blood sugar is a sign that your body might not be using insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar get into your cells.

Insulin Resistance

• Insulin resistance: This happens when your body's cells don't respond well to insulin. It's like the cells are ignoring insulin's signal. Because of this, your pancreas (a gland in your body) has to make more and more insulin. This tries to keep your blood sugar normal. Over time, your pancreas might get tired, leading to type 2 diabetes.

Unhealthy Cholesterol Levels

• Elevated cholesterol: Cholesterol is a waxy substance in your blood. You need some cholesterol, but too much of the wrong kind is bad. High levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) can build up in your arteries. This makes it harder for blood to flow.
• Reduced HDL cholesterol: HDL is known as "good" cholesterol. It helps remove extra cholesterol from your arteries. If you have low levels of HDL, it means you have less of this helpful cholesterol. This can increase your risk for heart problems.
• Raised triglycerides: Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. Your body stores extra calories as triglycerides. High levels of triglycerides can also increase your risk of heart disease.

High Blood Pressure

• High blood pressure: This is also called hypertension. It means the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is too high. High blood pressure makes your heart work harder. Over time, this can damage your arteries and organs.

Central Obesity

• Central obesity: This means having a lot of extra fat around your waist. It's often called "belly fat." This type of fat is especially linked to metabolic syndrome. It's different from fat stored in other parts of your body.

Why is Metabolic Syndrome Important?

It's important to know about metabolic syndrome because it greatly increases your risk for serious health problems.

Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

When you have several of these issues together, your risk for heart disease goes up. Heart disease can lead to heart attacks. Your risk for stroke also increases. A stroke happens when blood flow to part of your brain is stopped.

Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Metabolic syndrome is a strong warning sign for type 2 diabetes. Many people with metabolic syndrome will develop type 2 diabetes if they don't make changes to their lifestyle.

How to Manage Metabolic Syndrome

The good news is that many of the risk factors for metabolic syndrome can be managed. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help a lot.

• Healthy eating: Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is important. Limiting sugary drinks and processed foods can make a big difference.
• Regular exercise: Being physically active helps your body use insulin better. It also helps with weight management, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Losing even a small amount of weight, especially around your waist, can greatly improve your health.
• Regular check-ups: Seeing a doctor regularly helps you keep track of your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

By understanding metabolic syndrome and taking steps to be healthy, you can lower your risks and live a healthier life.

See also

In Spanish: Síndrome metabólico para niños