In this article leading Endocrinologist and Founder of the Queensland Specialist Weight Loss Centre, Dr Viral Chikani MBBS, FRACP, PhD (UQ) explains the silent health danger that no one can afford to ignore.
You may not have heard of metabolic syndrome, but it affects a significant portion of the Australian population — and it could be silently increasing your risk of serious health problems.
What is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome isn’t a single disease, but rather a cluster of conditions that occur together, significantly raising your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.
A person is typically diagnosed with metabolic syndrome when they have three or more of the following:
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar levels
- Excess fat around the waist (abdominal obesity)
- Abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels
These risk factors are interrelated and tend to occur together, especially in people with overweight or obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
How Common is it?
Metabolic syndrome is becoming increasingly common, particularly in Western countries. In Australia, around one in three adults over the age of 25 is estimated to meet the criteria for metabolic syndrome. Its prevalence is even higher among older adults and people living with overweight or obesity.Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) National Health Survey 2017-18
Why Does It Matter?
Metabolic syndrome can quietly develop over time, often without noticeable symptoms. But its impact on health can be serious. People with metabolic syndrome are:
- Twice as likely to develop heart disease
- Five times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes
These are chronic conditions that not only reduce quality of life but also increase the risk of complications like kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision problems.
Managing and Preventing Metabolic Syndrome
The good news is that metabolic syndrome is preventable and manageable, especially when detected early.
Key strategies include:
Lifestyle Modifications
- Regular physical activity – Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week
- Healthy diet – Focus on whole foods, plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and reduced intake of processed foods and sugars
- Weight loss – Even a 5–10% reduction in body weight can significantly improve metabolic markers
Medical Support
- Medications may be used to manage individual risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels.
- In some cases, doctors may recommend weight loss medications or refer to specialised services for comprehensive support.
Early intervention
For many patients, early intervention and targeted strategies will help to prevent the progression of metabolic syndrome into more serious conditions like type 2 diabetes or heart disease.
At Queensland Specialist Weight Loss Centre (QSWLC), we take a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to preventing and reversing metabolic syndrome. We also use the latest, evidence-based weight loss medications when appropriate, as a tool to support lifestyle change and help achieve sustainable results.
If you’re concerned about your metabolic health, contact my clinic on (07) 3544 6446 to book a comprehensive assessment. Together, we can help you reclaim your health and wellbeing.
About Dr Chikani
Dr Viral Chikani MBBS, FRACP, PhD (UQ) is one of Queensland’s leading Endocrinologist and Obesity Physician with a special interest in metabolic health, and weight management. He is also a senior lecturer at University of Queensland and active researcher in endocrinology and energy metabolism.
