January is the start of a new year, and we all want to get rid of those extra pounds we accumulated over the holidays! But in addition to maintaining a trim figure, we want to keep healthy as well. Many of our students are asking us how they can stay healthy while at college but also over the long term, especially when their family health history includes obesity, diabetes or heart disease.

    Students are asking for guidelines to help them stay healthy for now and for the future. The obesity epidemic in the United States is alarming and students want to know how to prevent obesity and the health problems associated with obesity. We know that obesity increases our risk for developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. We are told that “eating less calories and exercising more” is good for our health…but what else do we need to know?

    “Metabolic Syndrome” is a group of risk factors that may predispose a person to develop heart disease or diabetes in the future. The National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III has identified metabolic syndrome as an indication for vigorous lifestyle intervention.

    You have Metabolic Syndrome if you meet 3 or more of the following criteria:

      1)     A waist measurement greater than 40 inches for men and greater than 35 inches for women;

2)     Your blood pressure is 130/85 mm Hg or greater;

3)     Your (fasting) blood sugar is over 100;

4)     Your triglyceride level is greater than 150;

5)     Your HDL is under 40 for men or under 50 for women.

What causes Metabolic Syndrome?

   Your family medical history may predispose you to getting metabolic syndrome so it is important for you to find out if anyone in your family has diabetes, abnormal cholesterol levels, heart disease or high blood pressure. In addition, metabolic syndrome results from eating a diet that has too many calories and too much saturated fat. Not getting enough exercise contributes to the potential for getting metabolic syndrome. You can lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes by improving your eating habits, getting more physical activity and losing weight. If you smoke, you should stop smoking. 

   Metabolic Syndrome: Time for Action (American Family Physician June 15, 2004)http://www.aafp.org/afp/20040615/2875.html

    If you are interested in improving your health by finding out if you have risk factors that may lead to metabolic syndrome, our medical team, including medical providers and a health educator, is available by appointment at the Student Health Clinic to evaluate your risk and help you design a plan for a healthy lifestyle that will be tailored to your individual needs. Please call for an appointment. We look forward to working with you!  (760) 750-4915