Health Nutrition 3 min read

What is the metabolic syndrome?

Oliwia Kaczmarek ✓

Diets Premium Expert • 19.03.2026

✓

Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian: This article has been peer-reviewed for adherence to IŻŻ, WHO, and PTGiP clinical nutritional standards.

Diets Premium Expert Oliwia Kaczmarek

min read 3 min

Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian 19.03.2026

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What is the metabolic syndrome?

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Key Takeaways

According to the NATPOL study data (International Diabetes Federation Criteria - IDF), approximately 26% of Poles who have completed 18 years of life have been found to have the metabolic syndrome. That's almost 7.6 million citizens. This disease is classified as one of the civilization diseases.

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Metabolic group definition

The metabolic group is very often referred to as the X group, the polymetabolic disease, or the insulin resistance group. There may be several disease units in the metabolic team at a time, primarily related to carbohydrate disorders (insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes), lipid management disorder (hypercholesterolemia) and energy management dysfunctions (abdominal obesity). Several times in addition to these pathologies, vascular complications such as heartburn, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus may develop.

Metabolic Syndrome - Unknown Causes

The causes of metabolic syndrome have yet to be thoroughly investigated. It is assumed that the occurrence of polymetabolic disease is caused by genetic factors as well as a lifestyle characterized by low physical activity. Furthermore, the daily diet is considered particularly important. An excessive energy intake compared to requirements, consumption of highly processed foodstuffs containing large amounts of simple sugars, saturated fatty acids, and inadequate fiber content significantly impacts the development of metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic disorder syndrome – symptoms indicative of its presence

Symptoms indicating the presence of metabolic disorder syndrome also constitute the primary diagnostic criterion. According to the diagnostic criteria of the International Diabetes Federation from 2005, in order to establish a diagnosis of insulin resistance syndrome, abdominal obesity (waist circumference: ♂ ≥ 94 cm, ♀ ≥ 80 cm) must be diagnosed. Moreover, two of the following symptoms must be present: blood triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl; decreased HDL blood cholesterol (♂ ≤ 40 mg/dl; ♀ ≤ 50 mg/dl); progressive blood pressure at a level of 130/85 mm Hg or higher; fasting blood glucose level ≥ 100 mg/dl. The consequences of the above-mentioned symptoms usually develop slowly and over a longer period of time. The most commonly reported effects are chronic fatigue and poor tolerance to physical exertion, respiratory problems such as shortness of breath or shallow breathing, digestive problems such as bloating or acid reflux. The clinical picture of each patient is completely different and depends on the degree of the disease.

Process of treating metabolic syndrome

The process of treating metabolic syndrome is a multi-step process. The most crucial aspect is a modification of the current lifestyle. Individuals suffering from metabolic syndrome should gradually incorporate aerobic exertion into their routine, with a single session lasting an average of 30-60 minutes. Over time, patients should engage in physical activity up to six times a week. Equally significant is the alteration of the present diet. The result of these two changes is a reduction in body weight, which is a necessary prerequisite for enhancing the patient's health condition. It is also imperative to break free from addictions. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and the use of other substances are strictly forbidden. Naturally, individuals suffering from metabolic syndrome, due to the coexisting metabolic disorders associated with obesity, must be under constant medical or dietetic supervision who will implement appropriate treatment to improve their health condition.

Metabolic diseases - dietary regimen

There is nothing in the realm of nutrition that can be considered groundbreaking or revolutionary for those with metabolic disorders. Changing dietary habits refers to the popular principles of balance in the diet. It is worth noting that the loss of kilograms leads to an effective lowering of blood pressure. Similarly important is the method of weight reduction.