Metabolic Health in Women

Metabolism refers to the chemical reactions that occur in the body's cells to change the consumed food into energy. These reactions take place for normal functioning and better survival. Maintaining the ideal blood sugar levels, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, waist circumference, and blood pressure all together makes an individual’s metabolic health.

Keeping these levels in the correct levels is very important to ensure healthy and sustaining life. A disbalance in these levels, also called metabolic syndrome, can lead to several serious issues like heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Metabolic syndrome is more prevalent in women, which is why it becomes crucial to know about it in detail. Keep reading to know about this syndrome, its symptoms and what you can do to manage it.

What is Metabolic Syndrome in Women?

Also known as Syndrome X, Metabolic Syndrome refers to the increased level of blood pressure, blood sugar, waist circumference and cholesterol. All these factors put a person at high risk of getting exposed to several complications like heart diseases, diabetes, stroke and dementia. 

Furthermore, the complications of this syndrome are more prevalent in women as compared to men. Many studies1 showed that menopause in women triggers their metabolic health. It includes health conditions like osteoporosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. 

What are the Symptoms of a Metabolic Disorder?

Medical problems related to metabolic syndrome develop over time. You need to consult an expert for an accurate diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will do necessary tests to check blood pressure, lipid profile (triglycerides and HDL) and blood glucose.  Some of the symptoms of a metabolic disorder include:

1. Large Waist

Excess fat around your belly, also known as abdominal obesity, can prove to be a great risk of getting affected by metabolic disorders. A waist measurement of around 35 inches or more in women and 40 inches or more in men is considered large. Women are more likely to gain fat around their bellies after their menopause. 

2. A High Triglyceride level

If you consume more fat than your body needs, the level of Triglyceride, a type of fat in your blood, rises above the average of 5ng/ml. It makes you more likely to get exposed to metabolic syndrome.

3. Increased blood pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition where your heart exerts a lot of pressure on the walls of arteries due to increased blood circulation. Various studies showed that women are more likely to take stress, which affects their blood circulation. This is a condition that develops gradually over years. If you experience blood pressure levels of 130/85 mm hg or higher, then there's a need to consult a doctor.

4. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the main cause behind infertility in women. This imbalance is related to Metabolic Syndrome. This disbalance in hormones can prove to be a great risk.

How Do You Tell If You are Metabolically Healthy?

After having known the meaning and symptoms of metabolic health, now the question arises whether you're metabolically healthy?

Some women consider themselves metabolically fit just because they have an average weight but they also need to know that there are certain factors that actually define if the metabolic syndrome is absent in them. Let's now look into the factors that decide if you're metabolically healthy. 

1. If your waist circumference is not more than 35 inches (in women)
2. If you've 130/85 mm hg or lower blood pressure level
3. If your triglyceride level does not rise above 5ng/ml
4. If you get your periods in regular intervals

Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome

If you think you are still not exposed to the above-mentioned symptoms then you can consider yourself lucky. Here are some preventive measures by which you can maintain the ideal levels for being metabolically healthy in the future.

• Eat Right- The first step towards a disease-free lifestyle is eating right. Choose a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain, nuts, fish, low-fat dairy items and vegetable protein. Restrict the intake of processed foods, trans fat, and added sugar. 

• Physically Active- For maintaining a healthy metabolism, you need to make a routine of exercising at least 30 minutes each day. The best way to keep yourself healthy is by walking a few kilometres. This will keep you active and free from heart diseases.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight- Try to keep a record of your calorie consumption and expenditure so as to keep your weight and abdominal fat under control. To maintain average weight, try burning your calories with some physical activity.

Bottomline

In conclusion, metabolic health is crucial for all of us, especially for women. To keep all the elements of metabolic health in check, you should make some lifestyle modifications. Eat right, stay active and maintain a healthy weight to stay fit. To prevent metabolic syndrome, consult an expert for routine checkups.