The combination of poor body fat and blood values drastically increases the risk of heart attack, diabetes and stroke.

The risk factors are abdominal fat, high blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipids.

 

Belly fat

The abdominal circumference must not exceed 88cm for women and 102cm for men. The abdominal fat value is a better indicator of health risks than total body weight. To measure the abdominal circumference, place a tape measure under the lower ribcage, approximately at navel level. The tape measure must fit snugly, but must not cut into the flesh.

 

High blood pressure

A value of 140 over 90 is considered high blood pressure. Overweight patients are considered to be at risk from 130 over 85.

 

Blood sugar

On an empty stomach, the blood sugar level should be below 100mg/dl. An elevated blood sugar level is often caused by a disturbed sugar metabolism with too much abdominal fat. Type 2 diabetes can develop as a result of impaired sugar metabolism.

 

Blood fat

When measuring blood lipid levels, particular attention is paid to the HDL cholesterol value. In women, the HDL value should be at least 50mg/dl, in men at least 40. HDL cholesterol protects against artheriosclerosis.

In patients with metabolic syndrome, triglyceride levels above 150mg/dl are dangerous.

 

Prevention of metabolic syndrome

The risks can be drastically reduced with exercise and a healthy diet. Walking in the fresh air is just as important as a low-meat diet with vegetable fats, fruit and vegetables and wholemeal products.