Understanding metabolic syndrome
Support your teams to understand the risks of metabolic syndrome and reduce the likelihood of developing chronic disease with a metabolic health screen
Metabolic syndrome is very common
Around one in four adults in the UK are thought to have metabolic syndrome. Studies, as well as Qured’s testing data, suggest the risk is even higher in sedentary or high-stress occupations.
Metabolic syndrome raises the risk of:
Heart disease x 4
Stroke x 5
Diabetes x 7
What is metabolic syndrome?
“It's not only a disease for the old or overweight.”
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase an employee's risk of developing chronic disease. High blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, cholesterol imbalance, abnormal liver enzymes, and excess body fat around the waist are the five leading indicators of poor metabolic health. All of these are linked to inflammation, which means your body reacts the same way it would if you had an illness or an infection.
Having at least 3 of these conditions qualifies as metabolic syndrome. While high blood pressure and being overweight are the factors most commonly observed, it’s important to note that you don’t have to be overweight to be at risk of metabolic syndrome.
The risks of metabolic syndrome include:
When blood pressure is consistently elevated, it forces the heart to work harder, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. It can also cause damage to arteries, which may lead to complications throughout the body.
Persistent high blood sugar can indicate insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. Over time, it can lead to serious health issues, including nerve damage, kidney problems, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Imbalanced cholesterol levels, particularly low HDL ("good" cholesterol) and high LDL ("bad" cholesterol) can cause fatty deposits in arteries, raising the risk of heart attacks and stroke.
Elevated liver enzymes can signal fatty liver disease, often linked to obesity and metabolic issues. This condition may progress to more severe liver diseases and is associated with insulin resistance and cardiovascular risks.
Excess fat around the waist, or visceral fat, is a strong indicator of metabolic syndrome. It increases inflammation and insulin resistance, significantly raising the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
The impact of metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome has a profound impact on health, significantly raising the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Beyond these physical risks, it can affect mental health, leading to issues like anxiety and depression, which further impact quality of life. The combination of symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome, such as fatigue, weight gain, and blood sugar spikes, can also reduce daily energy and productivity. Early diagnosis via a metabolic health screen and lifestyle interventions are crucial for managing and reversing these risks.
Read more about metabolic health in our recent articles:
What we test for
A metabolic health screen checks thyroid, liver and kidney function, cholesterol levels and looks for signs of poor metabolic function. We use this data, along with an individual's medical history and lifestyle factors, to calculate a personalised risk score that helps assess an employee's likelihood of having metabolic syndrome.
The importance of metabolic health testing
Metabolic syndrome is a silent yet serious risk factor for chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Early testing with a metabolic health screen is essential to spot potential issues before they escalate. With proactive monitoring and targeted lifestyle changes, individuals can improve their metabolic health and prevent severe health outcomes.
Preventing metabolic syndrome in your workforce
Looking to offer employee health screening to your teams? Help employees gain valuable insights into health risks and reduce the chance of chronic illness with specialised clinical support. Just fill out the form below, and we’ll connect with you shortly.
