Metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined by coincidence of the risk factors visceral obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance and possibly disturbed glucose regulation. MetS is the driving force for the development of cardiovascular diseases and adult-onset diabetes already in childhood. There is a clear genetic predisposition. The symptoms are aggravated by energy-dense food and physical inactivity. Central pathogenetic findings associated with the MetS are insulin resistance in different cell systems as well as chronic inflammation of the fat tissue. The prevalence of the MetS in industrial nations is about 0.1%/5-8%/20-35% in normal-weight/overweight/obese children and adolescents. There is no causal therapy of the MetS. A therapeutic approach is the modification of the nutrition and exercise behaviour. The medical therapy directly aims at the treatment of the individual risk factors. Behaviour-based preventive measures in day care and schools with involvement of the parents can contribute to the prevention of the MetS.