Weight Doctors – go to homepageMon–Fri 8 am–8 pm · Sat 9 am–3 pm
When at least two further metabolic disorders are added to abdominal excess weight, doctors speak of metabolic syndrome. It then often becomes hard to lose weight sustainably on your own.
Medically reviewed byDr. med. Roland MörmelSpecialist in internal medicineLast updated:
A large waist circumference bothers many people, while others stand confidently by their extra pounds. However, when raised blood fat and blood sugar levels, reduced HDL cholesterol and arterial high blood pressure are added, it is about far more than aesthetics: the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes rises.
When an obese waist circumference is accompanied by at least two of these conditions, doctors speak of metabolic syndrome. “Metabolic” comes from the Greek and refers to the disturbed metabolic processes. Because the condition occurs mainly in industrialised countries, it is also called affluence syndrome.
Why are people with abdominal excess weight, the so-called apple shape, in particular affected by metabolic syndrome? Experts speak here of abdominal obesity: fat collects in the free abdominal cavity and surrounds the internal organs. These fat cells release more triglycerides than the subcutaneous fat on the thighs, arms or buttocks. They are also more insulin-resistant and produce more inflammatory substances.
Belly fat is the only visible sign of metabolic syndrome. The four metabolic disorders that usually go with it, by contrast, remain unnoticed for a long time. You can find out whether you too belong to the risk group under Are you affected?
Metabolic syndrome is not a specific disease, but an interplay of several risk factors that reinforce one another. A raised blood sugar level can lead to insulin resistance and thus to diabetes. It also disrupts fat metabolism, so that triglycerides in the blood rise. This affects cholesterol levels: HDL cholesterol, called “good cholesterol” because of its favourable effect on fat breakdown, falls – and the blood fat level rises further.
Too much sugar and fat in the blood lead to hardening of the arteries, and arterial high blood pressure develops. Through arteriosclerosis the blood vessels narrow; if the high blood pressure progresses, tissues and organs no longer receive a proper blood supply. This can lead to cardiovascular disease and organ damage. If the heart is no longer supplied with enough oxygen, a heart attack can result, and in the brain a stroke.
Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for health that must be taken seriously. The close interlinking of the individual metabolic disorders also makes treatment with medication more difficult: an antidiabetic drug can improve blood sugar levels, but may under some circumstances raise blood fat levels and thus intensify metabolic syndrome. So far, there is no medication that treats all the components of metabolic syndrome.
Even without medication, metabolic syndrome can be treated effectively – with exercise and a healthy diet. What sounds simple is, however, hard for those affected to put into practice: people with metabolic syndrome in particular find it especially difficult to reduce their food intake.
Because of insulin resistance, the cells take up less glucose and constantly send hunger signals to the brain. Over the years, those affected thus unconsciously increase their portions, and the stomach gets used to the plentiful food intake: more and more food is needed to feel full. The excess weight increases, and with it blood fat and blood sugar levels; metabolic syndrome intensifies and the feeling of hunger continues to grow – a cycle of weight gain develops.
One way out of this cycle can be losing weight with the gastric balloon – without medication and without surgery. The balloon is a companion for a limited time, for 6 or 12 months: it is placed endoscopically via the oesophagus or swallowed as a capsule and reduces the capacity of the stomach. As a result, a feeling of fullness can set in sooner with each meal, so that portions become smaller.
On average, patients lose around 15 kilograms with the gastric balloon. With follow-on therapy, weight can fall further.
Results with the gastric balloon vary from person to person.
Weight loss can be a gain for health. If less sugar and fat are taken in, blood sugar and blood fat levels can improve – and, in parallel, so can cholesterol levels, insulin resistance and, in particular, high blood pressure.
The first step is a conversation: choose your treatment, location and appointment online here – consultation on site, by video or by phone.
Which treatment are you interested in?
No matching treatment found. Select “Still undecided?” in one of the areas and we will call you.
At which location would you like your consultation?
How would you like your consultation?
Choose your appointment
Prefer to call? 087 551 0878Mon–Fri 8 am–8 pm · Sat 9 am–3 pm
Weight Doctors® at 23 locations in 6 countries23 locations
Which location is closest to you?
Which location is closest to you?
Germany
Austria
Netherlands
United Kingdom
South Africa
Namibia
Mira
Digital assistant from Weight Doctors®
With AI · Guidance, not medical advice. Privacy
Weight Doctors® GLP-1 pharmacotherapyMedication-based, no procedure3–12 months · from €599Medically supervised pharmacotherapy with regular progress monitoring – with no procedure at all.
No procedure
Find out more Weight Doctors® GLP-1 pharmacotherapyBook a consultation
Weight Doctors® GASTRIC BALLOONTemporary, also swallowable6 or 12 months · from R 69,000A temporary companion for 6 or 12 months – also swallowable, with no endoscopy at all.
No surgery
Find out more Weight Doctors® GASTRIC BALLOONBook a consultation
Weight Doctors SLEEVE®Endoscopic, permanent30–60 min · from R 219,000Permanent stomach reduction without conventional surgery – endoscopic, outpatient, without scars.
No surgery
Weight Doctors BARIATRICS®Surgical, minimally invasive1–3 nights · from R 289,000Gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery for higher BMIs, incl. preliminary examination and aftercare.
With surgery
Weight Doctors® 360°Nutrition coachingper session · from R 2,765Nutrition coaching and support in everyday life – in person, by video and in the app.
No procedure
Weight Doctors® MEMBERSHIPThe foundation of every therapyMedical oversight, app, scales, 3D Bodyscan and aftercare – the foundation of every Weight Doctors® therapy.
AustriaYour location
United KingdomYour location
South AfricaYour location
InternationalYour location
Namibia