There are some patterns of weight gain which place people at very high risk. This is called Metabolic Syndrome.
It is seen in a person with abdominal obesity – that is putting weight around the middle . (There are various definitions for assessing waist measurements –but “general appearance” is a fairly reliable
indicator).
Then some subtle biochemical markers are introduced into the assessment. Is there:
- Blood sugar greater than 5.6 ( not even diabetic!)?
- Increased triglycerides (>1.7 mmol/L) or specific treatment for that lipid abnormality?
- Reduced HDL-C (less than 1.29 mmol/L for women and less than 1.03 mmol/L for men); or specific treatment for that lipid abnormality?
- Blood pressure over 130/85 ( not a level we would automatically treat), or is BP being treated?
If three of these markers are seen as indicators, then attention to lifestyle change and preventive strategies is warranted.
Enter these values into “Your Necessary Numbers” risk calculator and invariably you are in the red zone !
