The Silent Threat In Our Body: Unmasking Metabolic Syndrome

By Dr Ruan XuCong, Associate Consultant, Department of Cardiology

The 'three highs' - high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol – are well known health concerns. However, few people realise that these conditions often occur together, alongside excess body fat around the waist. When combined, they form a cluster known as metabolic syndrome, which is becoming increasingly common in Singapore.

Metabolic syndrome is not a single disease, but rather a combination of interrelated health problems.

This grouping significantly increases one’s risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious issues. It is a serious and growing public health concern, driven largely by lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and rising obesity rates.

Globally, metabolic syndrome affects approximately 25% of adults¹ . Its prevalence is on the rise, fuelled by obesity and sedentary lifestyles. In the U.S., about 40% of adults above the age of 60 years old have metabolic syndrome² . Singapore also reports increasing rates over the years. With rising obesity rates in Asia and worldwide, metabolic syndrome poses an increasing burden on healthcare systems due to its association with long-term health complications.

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when a person has at least three of the following symptoms and signs³:

It is worth noting that some people may not show any symptoms, particularly in the early stages, which underscores the importance of regular health screenings. In many cases, metabolic syndrome is diagnosed during routine check-ups.

Given its often silent nature, it is not surprising that metabolic syndrome is frequently misunderstood. To clear up some common misconceptions:

Lifestyle plays a crucial role in both preventing and managing metabolic syndrome. A healthy diet low in refined sugars and saturated fats, while rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can help control blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Regular exercise aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly can reduce insulin resistance, improve blood pressure, and support weight loss. Even modest weight loss can significantly lower risks. Lastly, refrain from smoking and limit alcohol intake as these habits can contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome.

Treatment often involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Some common medications include those for blood pressure control, statins to lower cholesterol, and diabetes medication to manage blood glucose. However, medication alone is not sufficient. Sustainable lifestyle changes are crucial for long-term management and prevention.

If left untreated, metabolic syndrome can lead to severe health issues such as cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart attack, stroke), fatty liver disease, and chronic kidney disease.

For individuals already diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, regular monitoring of blood pressure, glucose levels, and cholesterol is essential. A personalised care plan with healthcare providers, including doctors, dietitians and physiotherapists, can minimise risks and prevent complications. 

Overall, metabolic syndrome is preventable and manageable, with lifestyle adjustments serving as the cornerstone of both prevention and treatment.

Advancing The Fight Against Metabolic Syndrome: The Centre For Advanced Metabolic Imaging (Cami)

While lifestyle changes remain crucial in managing metabolic syndrome, our newly launched CAMI is spearheading groundbreaking research to deepen our understanding of this condition, particularly in Asian populations. First in Southeast Asia to use cutting-edge Carbon-13 hyperpolariser technology, CAMI allows:

•  Real-time visualisation of metabolic processes without radiation
• Detailed study of fat storage and metabolism in Asians
• Potential development of targeted treatments for metabolic syndrome-related conditions 

This research could revolutionise our approach to metabolic syndrome, leading to more effective prevention strategies and treatments tailored to our population. Healthy individuals without significant medical conditions and wish to volunteer to contribute to this important work can email cami@nhcs.com.sg for more information.

REFERENCES

1. O’Neill, S. & O’Driscoll, L. Metabolic syndrome: a closer look at the growing epidemic and its associated pathologies. Obesity Reviews 16, 1–12 (2015).
2. Cho, L. W. Metabolic syndrome. Singapore Med J 52, 779–785 (2011).
3. Grundy, S. M. et al. Diagnosis and Management of the Metabolic Syndrome. Circulation 112, 2735–2752 (2005).