Daily Health Tip: What is Metabolic Syndrome?

You may be wondering why I am writing this series of articles on obesity and diets. On a daily basis I am constantly reminded of the obesity epidemic we are faced with. Radiologists see a large proportion of clients who are obese and have high blood pressure, diabetes (abnormal blood sugar levels), kidney disease and osteoathritis. They are referred for X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans or MRI.  Many are so overweight they can’t fit into scanners or undergo studies which are non diagnostic because of their weight. The obesity epidemic is costing lives and our health care system millions of dollars. Multiple chronic conditions could be eliminated if obesity could be cured. Metabolic syndrome, is defined as a set of health conditions which include high blood pressure, increased abdominal fat and an increased risk for stroke and heart disease. The main contributor to the condition is increased body weight and obesity. Weight-loss is the