Metabolic Syndrome and Exercise

I was talking to a potential client who stated that her doctor had said that her metabolic syndrome could not be helped by exercise. I was shocked (and disappointed in her doctor) to hear this! I immediately told her that this was not correct information and that regular exercise could help her condition! Research backs up my claim!

A Johns Hopkins study has shown that regular moderate exercise can help lessen the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome includes medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, excess abdominal fat and high blood sugar. These medical conditions increase a person's risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. An improvement in body composition (less body fat, more lean muscle mass) was the key component in the patients' improved health. This is no surprise to me!

The exercisers in the study did not lose much weight (less than 5 pounds). But, they lost about 20% of their abdominal fat and increased lean muscle mass. The exercisers' program included cardio and weight training for 80 minutes (3 times a week).

Johns Hopkins researchers also found similar results with a study done on patients aged 55 to 75. A moderate exercise program decreased medical risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Again, improved body composition was the key to improved health.

There it is! What more do you need to know?! Start your exercise program today! Don't wait for metabolic syndrome or some other medical condition to motivate you to exercise!