DO YOU HAVE A BELLY TOO BIG?

The question is whether one has the stomach or if you have a big belly too. The distinction is important because the latter describes the metabolic syndrome , a condition that affects one in ten French and exposes cardiovascular disease ... So how do you know if you have a belly too big ?

Big belly: check that?

Your GP may well make the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome .

What is the definition of metabolic syndrome?

The metabolic syndrome is the association of several anomalies:

• high blood sugar,
• Excess triglycerides
,
• level of "good" cholesterol down
• high blood pressure,
• abdominal obesity.

The problem is that these anomalies are installed silently and often progress without one even realizes it. Yet long term, the metabolic syndrome doubled the risk of cardiovascular disease. So much to be aware as soon as possible to correct his mistakes, usually food, and break with a sedentary lifestyle.

Big Belly: What are the exams to achieve?

1) Measurement of waist circumference The measuring tape should be placed midway between the last rib and the top of the hip bone. The tape does not compress the stomach or away from the skin. Of course, the belly should be as relaxed as possible (no question of returning her belly or hold your breath!). The maximum values are 88 cm for women and 102 cm for men. However, Dr Boris Hansel, specialist metabolic syndrome * clear that it is above the trend over the years that counts. For example, the waist of a man who is less than 102 cm but increases by one centimeter per year for ten years is also a warning signal. 2) Blood test A simple blood test will measure both blood glucose (blood sugar in the blood, an indicator of diabetes), triglycerides and HDL (good cholesterol). Be careful, this blood must be performed fasting and exactly after 12 hours of fasting, or for example at 8 o'clock in the morning if the last food intake began at 20 pm on the day. Blood glucose should not exceed 1.10 g / l, triglycerides 1.50 g / l. As for HDL-cholesterol, it must be greater than 0.40 g / L for men and 0.50 g / l for women. 3) Measurement of blood pressure is called normal blood pressure when the first number is below 14 and the second under 9.However, under the metabolic syndrome , the two figures are not to exceed 13 and 8.5. To obtain reliable data, take voltage in good conditions to the surgery, after 5 minutes of rest, with a cuff and adapted to both arms. And finally, to be confirmed, measures should be repeated at three consultations.

The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome

The diagnosis of syndrome of fat belly is covered with 3 abnormalities in the 5 mentioned above (glucose, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, waist circumference, blood pressure). It is not necessary to wait to accumulate three to abnormalities of prevention: healthy, balanced diet and regular physical activity. Read "Watch your belly, attention to belly syndrome," Dr. Boris Hansel Editions Hachette Pratique. * Dr. Boris Hansel is head of Clinical Endocrinology-Nutrition at the Pitie Salpetriere hospital in Paris and head of a unit specifically dedicated to the metabolic syndrome.