Magazine

Organization, is generally accepted to
be around 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2, while
being overweight lies in the range of
25.9 to 29.9 kg/m2 and obesity any BMI
over 30 kg/m2. BMI may, however, not
be an ideal method of determining the
weight-related risk status of an individual.
A measure known as the Weightto-Height-Ratio
(WtHR) may be more
accurate, with any ratio above 50%
indicating overweight and above 58%
signalling significant risk for the diseases
of the Metabolic Syndrome.
Poor lifestyle choices especially
consuming sugar and other refined
carbohydrate, not exercising, not getting
sufficient sleep and high levels of
psychological stress play a role in the
development of Metabolic Syndrome.
However, poor food choices in the guise
of sugar and refined carbohydrate contribute
between 80% and 90% of the
total effect.
Prevalence of Metabolic
Syndrome
Of growing concern is World Health
Organization (WHO) data that reveals
that the prevalence of obesity has nearly
doubled worldwide since the 1980’s.
A more recent study published in the
prestigious medical journal, Lancet,
confirms that about 70% of women
and 40% of men in South Africa are
overweight or obese. The WHO predicts
a whopping 90.5% increase in the
prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in Africa
by the year 2030!
Are You A Syndrome Sufferer?
If you have at least one Metabolic
Syndrome risk factor – such as excessive
belly fat, high blood pressure, low
good cholesterol, high blood sugar,
high insulin levels or high blood fat
levels - you may also potentially have
other risk factors, without being aware
of it. A consultation with your doctor
(together with the relevant tests)
will help determine whether you have
Metabolic Syndrome and what you can
do to avoid the serious diseases associated
with the syndrome.
Managing This Metabolic Malady
Lifestyle changes may prevent serious
illness in the future. Firstly, it is imperative
that you lose weight as this can
improve every aspect of Metabolic
Syndrome. Begin by adopting a diet
containing healthy fats, moderate
amounts of protein, low in carbohydrate,
especially refined carbohydrates,
avoid processed goods or foods rich
in sugar and hydrogenated vegetable
oils. This will not only help you to lose
weight, but also improve your blood
lipid picture; help to normalise blood
pressure and blood sugar levels, as well
as increase your likelihood of reversing
any underlying insulin resistance.
Do you get sufficient sleep at
night?
On average, we need about 7- 8 hours
of quality sleep per night in order to
maintain energy, mental alertness and
a properly functioning immune system.
Sufficient sleep also helps keep your
weight in check and this has much
to do with the hormones ghrelin and
leptin, which in turn controls hunger
and tells you to stop eating.
An imbalance in either of these hormones,
invariably lead to weight gain.
The key in both prevention and treatment
of Metabolic Syndrome is effective
self-care rather than just relying
on medical care. Very few people with
chronic conditions are empowered,
i.e. trained, taught and encouraged, to
adequately care for themselves. Sadly,
most of the time we simply rely on
some prescription medication, a diet
sheet and a few words of instruction or
advice from a healthcare professional
to do the job.
Read the full article here >>
Are you looking for your a
personal health coach to be at
your side 24/7? Please click on
the advert for personal assistance.
Please email me at
askdrhill@lowcarbdirect.net