Can a teenager get metabolic syndrome?

Can a teenager get metabolic syndrome?

Who Gets Metabolic Syndrome? Some normal weight teens can have high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. But most teens with metabolic syndrome are overweight. As obesity gets worse, metabolic syndrome becomes more likely.

How do you know if you have metabolic syndrome?

You are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome if you have three or more of the following:

1. A waistline of 40 inches or more for men and 35 inches or more for women (measured across the belly)
2. A blood pressure of 130/85 mm Hg or higher or are taking blood pressure medications.
3. A triglyceride level above 150 mg/dl.

What are the five risks of metabolic syndrome?

Understanding Metabolic Syndrome Metabolic syndrome is not a disease in itself. Instead, it’s a group of risk factors — high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and abdominal fat.

How do I know if my child has metabolic syndrome?

People with metabolic syndrome may have:

1. high body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.
2. blood test results that show high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, or high fasting blood sugar.
3. acanthosis nigricans. This darkening of the skin in folds and creases, like the neck and armpits, is a sign of insulin resistance.

How can I help my overweight teenager?

Start with five basic steps.

1. Lose the soda. Swap those calorie-heavy drinks, including juices and sports drinks, for good old water or low-fat milk.
2. Make vegetable and fruits easy snack choices.
3. Encourage breakfast every day.
4. Don’t keep junk food in the house.
5. Eat at home.

How does a child get metabolic syndrome?

In kids, as obesity gets worse, metabolic syndrome becomes more likely. Obesity and the problems associated with metabolic syndrome tend to run in families. Other things that put someone at risk for metabolic syndrome include: not being physically active.

What is considered overweight for a teenager?

A BMI between 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. Anything over 30 is considered obese. Normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9.