Why is abdominal obesity so dangerous - and what can be done about it?/Walla system
The metabolic syndrome, a complex medical condition characterized by insulin resistance, a disorder in blood lipids (dyslipidemia), central obesity, and hypertension, is a significant global medical problem.
Its health consequences are many and include: cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and dementia.
In recent decades, there has been an increase in the incidence of metabolic syndrome, and about a quarter to 30% of the world's population suffer from it.
Because of the serious health consequences of this syndrome, it is of considerable importance to understand the causes of its development.
A groundbreaking study published in the December 2023 issue of Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health examined the relationship between mental stress and the metabolic syndrome, highlighting the potential role that inflammatory pathways play in this complex relationship.
It all starts with inflammation
Today we understand that inflammation plays a central role in the development of the metabolic syndrome.
Inflammation, especially low-grade chronic inflammation, is increasingly recognized as an important factor in the development and progression of metabolic dysregulation.
In the laboratory tests we can identify markers that indicate inflammation such as CRP, interleukin-6, and fibrinogen and they can be used by us when we examine the relationship between inflammation and the metabolic syndrome, and its health consequences.
It is important to understand the biological mechanisms linking the inflammation and the metabolic syndrome.
The body's stress response systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) and the sympathetic nervous system are involved in these connections between the inflammatory process and the metabolic syndrome.
The inflammatory process is associated with disturbances in lipid metabolism, disturbances in insulin response and disturbances in blood pressure regulation, which provides an understanding of the physiological links between inflammation and metabolic health.
An obese couple/ShutterStock
The research findings
The study carried out in the USA included 648 participants with an average age of 52.3, and the researchers examined the interrelationship between mental stress and the metabolic syndrome. The
main findings of the study were:
Stress and metabolic dysregulation:
The study revealed a clear connection between higher levels of stress experienced by the subjects and inflammation increased. It is important to note that this inflammation plays a key role in being a mediating factor in the relationship between mental stress and metabolic dysregulation.
Measurement of inflammatory markers in the laboratory tests:
In the study inflammatory markers were tested in the laboratory tests such as CRP, interleukin-6, and fibrinogen. The inflammatory markers have potential Explain the complex relationship between mental stress and its effects on metabolic health.
Reliable statistical methods:
The researchers used rigorous statistical methods in the study to validate the metabolic syndrome model and demonstrated a pathway linking mental stress and metabolic dysregulation through a process of inflammation.
Implications of the study
The implications of the study are far-reaching, offering important insights into interventions aimed at reducing the inflammatory health risks associated with the metabolic syndrome.
In light of the connection between mental stress and inflammation, and the development of the metabolic syndrome, it is possible to propose stress management techniques as accessible and cost-effective options for the prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome.
In conclusion, we are in a difficult time.
The great stress experienced by the population has many health consequences.
In a recently published study it can be seen that there is a connection between the stress experienced by people and an increase in chronic inflammation, and an increase in the metabolic syndrome.
In light of the severe health consequences of the metabolic syndrome, which include cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and dementia, we expect to see a significant increase in morbidity in the coming years.
The current study showing that the inflammatory markers in the laboratory tests can explain the relationship between mental stress, inflammation and the metabolic syndrome, provides a road map regarding possible targeted interventions to prevent the health risks associated with chronic mental stress.
The emphasis on techniques to prevent mental stress as useful tools for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases is a promising direction for health initiatives in the future.
The understanding of the important role of mental stress and inflammation in the development of the metabolic syndrome is an important step in improving the health of the population in Israel and around the world.
Dr. Dalit Dariman Medina is an expert in family medicine and integrative and functional medicine
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metabolism
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