Metabolic Health

Metabolic Health

We all hear people talk about their metabolism, whether it is high or low, and how this relates to their weight.  But what does this mean in reality, what is our metabolic health, and how do we know if it starts to go wrong?

A lot of our metabolic health can come down to genetics, habits and lifestyle.  Our activity, diet, stress and sleep habits all support metabolic health.  When we are adequately hydrated, have a balanced diet, supplemented with regular activity, we are able to maintain a healthy weight.  These can all lead to better sleep, less anxiety and more balanced hormone levels.

The converse of this results in low energy, fatigue, stress, anxiety, bingeing and over-eating, cravings, poor sleep with emotional highs and lows.  These are personal indicators of poor metabolic health.

Metabolic syndrome is a medical term for a combination of health markers which suggest the balance has been tipped and factors in your lifestyle are having a negative impact on your physical and mental health.

Markers of Metabolic Health

Markers of metabolic health used by your GP Practice Team:

1. Blood glucose
2. Blood lipids including Triglycerides, HDL and LDL
3. Liver function tests
4. Increase waist circumference and BMI > 30
5. Raised blood pressure

If 3 of the above are outside of normal limits, you have metabolic syndrome.  If these underlying factors are left unchecked, a number of medical conditions can develop, including:

• Cardiovascular disease and stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) link to our fatty liver page please
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Gout
• Vascular conditions including vascular dementia
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)