1. Take the Metabolic Syndrome Quiz
2. Type 2 Diabetes: Learn the Warning Signs
3. A Visual Guide to Heart Disease

Medical Author:

Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C)

Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C)

Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C) is an Attending Physician with the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and Associate Director of Clinical Research, Recruitment and Phenotyping with the Center for Androgen Related Disorders, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Lifestyle modification is the preferred treatment of metabolic syndrome. Weight reduction usually requires a specifically tailored multifaceted program for the patient that includes diet and exercise. Medications may be useful in some instances. As noted above, most people who have metabolic syndrome are overweight and lead a sedentary lifestyle.

A detailed discussion of therapeutic diets and the pros and cons of each diet is beyond the scope of this article. However, one diet that is palatable and easily sustained and has shown benefit is the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet is rich in olive oil (a "good fat") and contains a reasonable and sustainable amount of protein and carbohydrates. Some studies have suggested that when compared to a low fat diet, people on the Mediterranean diet have had a greater decrease in body weight, greater improvements in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and improvement in other markers of heart disease; all of which are important in evaluating and treating metabolic syndrome.

A regular and consistent exercise program is also an important lifestyle modification that can be accomplished at home or a gym. Thirty minutes of exercise five days a week is a reasonable start, providing there are no medical contraindications to exercise. (It is prudent to consult your physician prior to starting any exercise program.) Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, along with increasing insulin sensitivity, are beneficial effects of a regular consistent exercise program, regardless of whether weight loss is achieved. Thus, exercise in still a helpful tool in treating metabolic syndrome.

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