Metabolic Syndrome

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What is the Metabolic
Syndrome?

The Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is the collective term used for a group of interlinked medical conditions that all pose a significant health risk. If left unchecked, the cumulative effect of these conditions statistically reduces life expectancy by increasing the risk for developing heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as various forms of cancer.

Although genetic factors play a role, the underlying cause that leads to the development of the Metabolic Syndrome relates to the progressive accumulation of excess body fat. Also relevant is the hormonal role that this abnormal fat mass plays, especially once it has become entrenched in the abdominal region.

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If you have any 3 of the following conditions you may be at risk for developing the Metabolic Syndrome

Excess central weight

Excess central weight is one of the main contributors to developing Metabolic Syndrome and insulin resistance

— OR —

Abnormal cholesterol

High cholesterol and triglyceride levels are major contributors to cardiovascular disorders, but are often missed due to the lack of symptoms.

— Or —

Diabetic or abnormal blood sugar

Abnormal blood sugar levels are linked to insulin resistance, kidney and heart disease.

— Or —

Raised blood pressure

If not managed, high blood pressure can damage multiple organs, including the heart, eyes and kidneys.

Screening Guidelines

Understanding your health is the first step to recovery. Regular screenings can diagnose early risk factors, ensuring preventative measures can be implemented early. Consult our short summaries of cost effective tests you will take when being assessed for the Metabolic Syndrome.

Stress

Did you know that stress may be a trigger for developing the Metabolic Syndrome?

How we became involved

As a healthcare organisation, we focus on the treatment as well as the prevention of disease. One of the tasks that MNI was assigned to in the past was to initiate a national chain of pharmacy clinics for one of South Africa’s largest retail stores. This included implementing effective medical treatment protocols and assessing the efficacy of these on a regular basis.

Statistical analysis of all the patients seen at these clinics over time revealed that a large number of people suffered from hypertension, pre-diabetes / diabetes and high cholesterol. In addition, many were also overweight or obese and therefore qualified for the formal diagnosis of the Metabolic Syndrome. As a responsible healthcare provider, it was our duty to help these patients improve their health, increase their life expectancy and reduce their healthcare costs. Read more about the Metabolic Syndrome HERE.

Good News!

The good news is that if you start reducing insulin resistance and excess body fat, all the individual risk factors that pose a collective health risk immediately start to decline. This means that the moment you start losing weight, you have turned the corner and are on your way to recovery.

From the experience that we have gained from our work in the field, it is our opinion that the best results are achieved when a variety of strategies that work synergistically are implemented. These should be used in accordance with individual requirements.

The first step to treat the Metabolic Syndrome is lifestyle modification, either on its own, or in combination with medication. Medicinal treatment can be complementary or prescription-based, or a combination of both. Your doctor will advise you about prescription medication. We, however, can assist you with lifestyle modification as well as medicinal products that do not require a doctor’s prescription.

Our solutions to combat the Metabolic Syndrome

Lifestyle support

Top view, flat lay of healthy vegan salad bowl
Free Healthy Meal Plans For Weight Loss, Insulin Resistance & More.
 
Diet has a key role in your health and wellbeing. We have developed scientifically grounded meal plans for various aspects of the Metabolic Syndrome that will suit both your taste and wallet.
Nutritionist giving consultation to patient with healthy fruit and vegetable

The Medical Nutritional Institute specialises in the prevention and management of lifestyle related disease by delivering various proven healthcare solutions, training services.

CPD Points

The Medical Nutritional Institute specialises in the prevention and management of lifestyle related disease by delivering various proven healthcare solutions and CPD trainings.

Top view, flat lay of healthy vegan salad bowl

Free Healthy Meal Plans For Weight Loss, Insulin Resistance & More.

Diet has a key role in your health and wellbeing. We have developed scientifically grounded meal plans for various aspects of the Metabolic Syndrome that will suit both your taste and wallet.

Nutritionist giving consultation to patient with healthy fruit and vegetable

The Medical Nutritional Institute specialises in the prevention and management of lifestyle related diseases by delivering various proven healthcare solutions, training services.

Cheerful African Woman Stretching Up In Front Of Laptop, Doing Home Workout

CPD Points

The Medical Nutritional Institute specialises in the prevention and management of lifestyle related diseases by delivering various proven healthcare solutions and CPD trainings.

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