Metabolic syndrome

A big belly – many people are bothered by it, while others are self-confident about their extra pounds. However, if increased blood lipid and blood sugar levels as well as a reduction in HDL cholesterol and arterial hypertension are added to a large abdominal girth, then it is about much more than aesthetics – health is at risk: cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are imminent. If an obese abdomen is accompanied by at least two of the aforementioned conditions, doctors refer to it as metabolic syndrome. The term “metabolic” comes from the Greek and refers to the disturbed “metabolic” processes of the syndrome. As this disease mainly occurs in industrialized countries, it is often referred to as affluence syndrome.

Symptoms: Abdominal obesity is a serious signal!

Why are obese people with a so-called apple figure (abdominal obesity) particularly affected by metabolic syndrome? In the case of abdominal obesity, experts speak of abdominal obesity. This is characterized by an accumulation of fat in the free abdominal cavity, which envelops the internal organs. What makes abdominal fat so dangerous is that the fat cells in the abdominal cavity release more triglycerides (long-chain fatty acids) than the subcutaneous fat on the thighs, arms or bottom. In addition, the fat cells on the abdomen are more insulin-resistant and produce more inflammatory substances. Abdominal fat is the only visible indicator of metabolic syndrome. In contrast, the four metabolic disorders that usually accompany the fat deposits go unnoticed for a long time.

If you also suffer from abdominal obesity, you are probably wondering whether you also belong to the risk group for obesity-related secondary diseases. Under the heading “Are you also affected by metabolic syndrome?” you can find out.

Abdominal obesity – a combination of health risk factors

Metabolic syndrome is therefore not a specific disease, but a combination of several disease-causing risk factors. However, this is precisely what makes metabolic syndrome so dangerous, as the individual components of metabolic syndrome reinforce each other. An elevated blood sugar level leads to insulin resistance and thus to diabetes. In addition, elevated blood sugar levels disrupt fat metabolism, causing triglycerides (long-chain fatty acids) in the blood to rise. Elevated blood lipid levels in turn have a negative effect on cholesterol levels. HDL cholesterol, colloquially known as “good cholesterol” due to its beneficial effect on fat breakdown, decreases. This causes blood lipid levels to rise even further. Too much sugar and too much fat in the blood lead to calcification of the arteries: arterial hypertension develops. Arteriosclerosis causes the blood vessels to constrict, and as the high blood pressure progresses, tissues and organs can no longer be supplied with blood properly. This can lead to numerous cardiovascular diseases and organ damage. Finally, if the heart is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen, a heart attack occurs, and if the same happens to the brain, a stroke follows.

Metabolic syndrome – a diet-related disease with decreasing life expectancy

The bad news is that metabolic syndrome is a life-threatening risk factor for health. The close interdependence of the individual metabolic disorders also makes drug treatment difficult. For example, an antidiabetic drug may improve blood sugar levels, but under certain circumstances it can drive up blood lipid levels, which exacerbates metabolic syndrome. Unfortunately, there is not yet a drug that eliminates all components of metabolic syndrome.

There is a treatment and your life expectancy can increase

The good news is that metabolic syndrome can be effectively combated without medication. The magic bullet is exercise and a healthy diet. But what sounds so simple is difficult to implement for those affected by metabolic syndrome. This is because people suffering from metabolic syndrome find it particularly difficult to reduce their food intake.

Due to insulin resistance and the resulting reduced glucose uptake, the cells constantly send a hunger signal to the brain. Over the years, those affected by metabolic syndrome unconsciously increase their food portions. The stomach becomes accustomed to the excessive food intake. The obese person has to eat more and more in order to achieve a feeling of satiety. The obesity increases and with it the blood lipid and blood sugar levels, the metabolic syndrome intensifies, which further increases the feeling of hunger – a life-threatening cycle of weight gain is set in motion.

Lose weight with the gastric balloon – the way out of metabolic syndrome

There is a way out of this vicious circle: For example, losing weight with the gastric balloon – completely without medication or surgery. The gastric balloon is inserted endoscopically into the stomach via the salivary tube and thus naturally reduces the capacity of the stomach. The result: due to the reduced absorption capacity of the stomach, the patient feels fuller more quickly with every meal. The gastric balloon patient automatically reduces their portions of food without feeling deprived. Losing weight without starving – what sounds like a paradox is made possible by the gastric balloon in a natural way. Of course, the results with gastric balloons can also vary from patient to patient. However, many of Weight Doctors’ patients have achieved a weight reduction of 25 or more kilograms within six months with the gastric balloon. The average weight loss with gastric balloon therapy is 15 kilograms. The weight can then be reduced even further with follow-up therapy.

Increase your life expectancy by losing weight with the gastric balloon!

Thanks to the weight loss, patients usually feel much more attractive after gastric balloon therapy and can therefore enjoy life again with more self-confidence. But what is even more important: weight loss also means a decisive gain for health. This is because the reduction in food automatically stabilizes the poor blood values of metabolic syndrome. If less sugar and fat is consumed, not only the blood sugar and blood fat levels improve, but also the cholesterol levels, insulin resistance and, in particular, high blood pressure. The gastric balloon therefore not only paves the way to a slimmer life, but also to a healthier one.