Causes of Metabolic Syndrome

The metabolic syndrome includes several symptoms that have different causes:

• Insulin resistance
  Metabolic syndrome is linked to your body’s metabolism, possibly to a condition called insulin resistance. Normally, your digestive system breaks down the foods you eat into sugar (glucose). Your blood carries the glucose to your body’s tissues, where the cells use it as fuel. Glucose enters your cells with the help of insulin. In people with insulin resistance, cells don’t respond normally to insulin, and glucose can’t enter the cells as easily. As a result, glucose levels in your blood rise despite your body’s attempt to control the glucose by churning out more and more insulin. The result is higher than normal levels of insulin in your blood. Increased insulin raises your triglyceride level and other blood fat levels. It also interferes with how your kidneys work, leading to higher blood pressure.
• Obesity
  • A body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 increases your risk of metabolic syndrome.
  • Abdominal obesity (extra fat in the belly) increases your risk of metabolic syndrome.
• Unhealthy lifestyle
  Eating a diet high in fats and Lack of exercise can play a role.
• Aging
• Hormonal imbalance
  Hormones may play a role. For instance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is related to hormonal imbalance and metabolic syndrome.