Overweight and obesity have a prevalence in Spain of 39% and 22% respectively. Furthermore, the highest figures are found in Asturias, Galicia, Andalusia, Murcia and the Canary Islands. The main problem with obesity is that it leads to an increased cardiovascular risk; in fact, one of the criteria for metabolic syndrome is related to abdominal circumference.

Metabolic syndrome is defined by the association of several risk factors or diseases in the same individual that predispose to developing cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes mellitus.

These risk factors are:

• Fasting glucose levels of 100 mg/dL or higher, or take treatment for diabetes.
• Abdominal obesity (defined by an abdominal perimeter greater than or equal to 102 cm in men and greater than or equal to 88 cm in women).
• Triglyceride levels of 150 mg/dl or higher, or the patient receiving medication for hypertriglyceridemia.
• A low concentration of HDL cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dl in men or less than 50 mg/dl in women) or receiving treatment for hypercholesterolemia.
• A blood pressure greater than or equal to 130/85 mmHg or receiving medication for hypertension.

In addition, it has now been discovered that many other pathologies, such as fatty liver, androgenetic alopecia, benign prostate hyperplasia, polycystic ovary syndrome and psoriasis, are associated with metabolic syndrome and that its control can improve some aspects of them, as well as the results of the treatments.

Dra. Lidia Trujillo, nutrition and aesthetic doctor.