{"id":150991,"date":"2025-03-25T10:41:44","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T10:41:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/?p=150991"},"modified":"2025-03-25T10:44:52","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T10:44:52","slug":"metabolic-syndrome-is-highly-prevalent-among-the-population-of-sri-lanka-by-dr-harold-gunatillake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/metabolic-syndrome-is-highly-prevalent-among-the-population-of-sri-lanka-by-dr-harold-gunatillake\/","title":{"rendered":"Metabolic Syndrome is highly prevalent among the population of Sri Lanka. – By Dr Harold Gunatillake"},"content":{"rendered":"

Metabolic Syndrome is highly prevalent among the population of Sri Lanka. – By Dr Harold Gunatillake<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Metabolic<\/p>\n

\"DrAn<\/em> overview<\/em> of<\/em> the<\/em> conditions,<\/em> their<\/em> causes,<\/em> and<\/em> preventive <\/em>measures.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

A common finding in Sri Lanka today is that many people visibly carry pot-bellies as if it were no one’s business. They appear remarkably indifferent to the consequences of possessing such a \u2018time bomb\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s first define metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions<\/span><\/p>\n

include raised blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Having just one of these conditions doesn’t mean you have metabolic syndrome, but it does heighten your risk of severe disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, what do we understand by the term metabolic health, and what are its five signs?<\/span><\/p>\n

The five criteria for metabolic health are waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose levels, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Avoiding sugary and processed foods is a good starting point for achieving metabolic health.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is part of modern life, where people indulge in ultra-rich foods and frequently visit restaurants and street food. Such lifestyles are a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and stroke.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as heart disease and stroke, are leading causes of death worldwide, with a more significant burden in low- and middle-income countries like Sri Lanka compared to developed nations. Obesity and diabetes are also important risk factors for CVDs, and their prevalence is increasing in many regions of the globe.<\/span><\/p>\n

The early identification of this alarming disease is essential for effective prevention.<\/span><\/p>\n

Key indicators are:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Elevated waist circumference ( varies by population and gender) High fasting blood sugar levels (over 100mg fasting)<\/span><\/p>\n

High blood pressure (over 130\/85 mmHg). Elevated triglycerides ( over 150 mg\/dL).<\/span><\/p>\n

Low HDL (less than 40mg\/dL for men, 50 mg\/dL for women).<\/span><\/p>\n

Causes and Risk Factors<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is unknown, but it is closely linked to obesity and inactivity. Several factors increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, including:<\/span><\/p>\n