Metabolic Health is defined as having ideal levels of five markers – blood sugar, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), blood pressure, and waist circumference without needing medications. The opposite of being metabolically healthy is known as metabolic syndrome, where people have three or more of the following markers:
- A waistline of 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men
- Fasting glucose above 100 mg/dL
- HDL cholesterol less than 40 mg/dL
- Triglycerides above 150 mg/dL
- High blood pressure -130/85 or higher
Research shows that 88% of Americans have at least one or more of the above markers to have poor metabolic health (metabolic syndrome). Increasing the chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. The good news is that metabolic syndrome is managed and can be treated. Getting your annual physical with a doctor is the easiest way to understand and minimize the risk of developing a metabolic syndrome. The goal of treatment will be to reduce the risk of developing further complications and maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes:
- Regular exercise (at least 30-minutes of physical activity each day)
- Maintaining a healthy diet – vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains) and limiting saturated fats and salt
- Maintaining a healthy weight and BMI
- Quit Smoking
Source:
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/what-does-it-mean-to-be-metabolically-healthy
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/metabolic-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20351916
