Syndrome X is a disorder that many people are at risk for developing by the time they reach middle age. Syndrome X is why many people feel lousy and tired all the time, and it can put them at risk for health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, cancer and other age-related diseases.
Syndrome X refers specifically to the health problems that include insulin resistance, abnormal blood fats, overweight and high blood pressure. New research shows an effective solution for syndrome X is the combination of exercise and weight loss.Researchers conducted a study to determine if a six-month intervention could have an effect on coronary heart disease risk factors associated with syndrome X.
The study included 53 men and women who were part of a larger clinical trial. The participants suffered from insulin resistance, abnormal blood fats and high blood pressure. They were randomly assigned to the exercise only group, exercise and structured weight-loss program group, or the group that was on the waiting list for treatment. Before and after treatment, the participants underwent a variety of tests including glucose tolerance, lipid levels and blood pressure measurements.
Researchers found the response to glucose in the body was significantly reduced in both the exercise only and exercise/weight-loss groups. They say participants who lost the most amount of weight showed the most improvements in abnormal insulin responses. Researchers also report the diastolic blood pressure level was significantly reduced in the exercise/weight-loss group, but not in the exercise only group. The lipid or fat profile was not significantly improved in either intervention group.
Researchers thus conclude, the combination of exercise and weight loss is an effective treatment for hyperinsulinemia (failure of blood sugar control system) and lowering diastolic blood pressure in patients with syndrome X.
