Hans Hauner, München

The term metabolic syndrome now means a complex of symptoms including abdominal obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia and hypertension.

There are currently two different definitions for adults, with different definitions for waist circumference. Whatever the definition, the value of the metabolic syndrome as a predictor of cardiovascular complications is controversial. The concept of the metabolic syndrome is nevertheless of value for everyone providing nutritional advice, as it promotes an integrative approach in the care of people who are affected or at risk. The most important pacemakers in the syndrome are enlarged visceral fat depots. The therapeutic strategy is primarily and predominantly based on lifestyle intervention, which must be tailored to the specific risks and needs of the individual patient.

Keywords: metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular risk, type 2 diabetes, definition, treatment

Sie finden den Artikel in deutscher Sprache in Ernährungs Umschau 04/09 ab Seite 202.