Indian Lifestyle & Metabolic Syndrome!

Metabolic Syndrome in India is more prevalent in urban areas than in rural areas. Research shows that the main drivers for Metabolic Syndrome are related to food and nutrition intake, socioeconomic transitions, sedentary lifestyle, urbanization, affluence, surplus intake of energy, and mechanization leading to significantly decreased the amount of physical activity.

National Institutes of Health guidelines consider the following to define Metabolic Syndrome, stating that the occurrence of three or more than three of these conditions indicate the existence of Metabolic Syndrome in an individual: Waist size: Exceeding 89 cm in females and 102 cm in males High levels of triglycerides: Equal to or greater than150 mg/ dL (1.7 mmol/L) Reduced levels of good or HDL cholesterol: Less than 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) in females and Less than 40 mg/dL (1.04 mmol/L) in males Increased blood pressure: higher than 130/85 mmHg Elevated blood sugar (fasting): higher than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L)

Aggressive changes in lifestyle can help in managing Metabolic Syndrome and delay or prevent the onset of serious issues related to dysfunctional metabolism. Rigorous and regular physical activity is of utmost importance. A healthy diet plan having a balanced diet with the right mix of all food groups can help in correcting the body s metabolism before some serious and irreparable conditions develop. Quitting smoking and alcohol is also important. Stress management keeps the vital functions of the body within permissible limits.

The range of prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome across India varies from 11% to 41% and changes depending upon many socio-economic, cultural, and anthropogenic variables.