Modern technology and lifestyle trends have made life very comfortable for men. But on the other hand it has given rise to many health-related problems, which are preventable. Metabolic syndrome is one of them.

Metabolic syndrome is the term coined for the combination of problems which occurs after developing obesity, particularly central obesity. Due to lack of adequate physical exercise and intake of fatty food, people usually start getting fat in the middle, around middle years of life. In affluent societies, youngsters are also getting obese and susceptible to develop metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome comprises of obesity, high fat levels in the blood, high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels. Obesity is the initial event which makes body cells resistant to action of insulin present in the body. Thus the body is not able to handle the glucose present in the blood, which leads to diabetes. Other problems, like hyperlipidemia, e.t.c., follow it or can occur simultaneously. The individual becomes more prone to develop heart problems.

Once these troubles start, there is no absolute cure available. One has to take medicines practically all through his or her life. Over time individuals start suffering from side effects of medicines like irregularities in pulse, aggravation of bronchial asthma, low blood sugar levels, e.t.c. They also tend to develop the chronic complications of high blood pressure and diabetes, like kidney failure and visual disturbances.

Thus the overall health of the person is affected and that too in the peak productive years of his life. Overall productivity and work efficiency of the person is affected and he may not be able to work and earn as per his full potential.

Therefore it is prudent to know about,’ metabolic syndrome’, and prevent it. Prevention of obesity would be the first step to do it. This is possible through a low fat diet. One should avoid taking high fat food items like, fried things, cream, butter, cheese, chocolates, cakes, ice cream, meat and poultry products, e.t.c. White sugar does not provide any nutrition and only contributes to obesity. Hence it should be avoided totally. Honey is a more healthy choice for sweetening things. Ready to eat fast foods, also add to obesity and should be avoided. The diet should include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, cereals and fish.

Physical activity is another important pre requisite for preventing metabolic syndrome. With good physical activity, one would burn all calories consumed. In that case, even if one consumes a high fat diet, he would not become obese and develop related complications. Physical exercise for at least 30 minutes daily or 3 times per week is good for this purpose. Physical activities can be added on exercise for more benefit. Alcohol leads to obesity, high blood lipid and sugar levels and contributes to metabolic syndrome and related problems therefore it should be avoided. One should give up smoking also because it leads to high blood pressure and contributes to many complications related to metabolic syndrome.

Children need to be educated about the importance of good nutritious food and reduce intake of junk food. They need to understand the importance of physical activity and should be encouraged to play outdoor games instead of being glued to the computer or television for most of the leisure time. Teachers in school and parents at home need to encourage children to have a healthy diet and be physically more active. They can be taught to do some physical work regularly. This will ensure a more healthy adult population in the near future, free from metabolic syndrome.