What is Metabolic Syndrome? — Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding

Bariatric Surgery Can Help Resolve Metabolic Syndrome and Improve Your Health

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of risk factors that increases the likelihood of developing many serious health issues. One of the major risk factors is a large waistline or “abdominal obesity.” Weight loss experts say bariatric surgery is one of the best ways to achieve and sustain weight loss. In addition to reducing the waistline, bariatric surgery can help resolve MetS. Here, Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding explains the risk factors.

What is Metabolic Syndrome?

The risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome tend to occur together. Only three of the five below are necessary for diagnosis of MetS, however:

  • Abdominal obesity. Fat in the stomach area coincides with greater risk for developing heart disease.
  • High triglyceride levels. High levels of this fat in blood increase risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Low HDL cholesterol. This “good cholesterol” helps control and prevent cholesterol buildup in your arteries.
  • High blood pressure. If untreated, high blood pressure can damage your heart and lead to plaque formation.
  • High blood sugar after fasting. High blood sugar contributes to risk of developing diabetes.

The more risk factors present, the greater the risk of developing additional complications. Some of these include type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.

Although age and genetics can contribute to the likelihood of developing MetS, obesity is a significant factor. Fortunately, it is possible to delay or even prevent MetS from occurring. Lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and overall better health can help. Weight loss experts like Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding may also recommend bariatric surgery. In addition, researchers have shown that the surgeries specifically improve MetS risk factors. Gastric bypass surgery changes gut hormones to better control blood sugar, for example. A recent study also showed that gastric sleeve surgery improves good cholesterol levels. A new study shows that lap band surgery, a reversible weight loss surgery, also helps resolve MetS.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding

Do you have MetS or concerns about your weight? Please contact Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding at the NYU Langone Weight Management Program.

No comments yet.

Leave a Reply