The metabolic syndrome; problems including mental, obesity, diabetes, heart disease & stroke.

The Metabolic Syndrome (MS), also known as Syndrome X, is the most widespread metabolic disease in the developed world. This fact is still not understood by the majority of the public and many medical practitioners. An estimated 24% of the adult population of the developed world are affected. MS results from a combination of a genetic predisposition with an unhealthy lifestyle. For a person to be defined as having MS they must have central obesity plus one or more of: raised triglycerides, low HDL, elevated BP, raised fasting glucose or Type 2 diabetes. It is known that MS in pregnant women can adversely affect foetal development, and may influence brain development in affected foetuses and during further childhood development. Speculation on how MS may impact on adult brain function will be proposed. Strategies on minimising the prevalence of MS will be suggested.