Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: A Complementary and Integrative Health Approach

Abstract

The increasing proliferation of obesity and overweight conditions has resulted in an increased risk for CVDs as a result of adverse metabolic effects on blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Obesity and overweight conditions are also the major determining contributors of metabolic syndrome, which affects more than 1 in 3 adults. Metabolic syndrome includes a cluster of 3 or more risk factors that increase an individual's likelihood of developing CVD, stroke, diabetes, and obstructive pulmonary disease. The first line of defense both for health maintenance and for the treatment of any health-related condition is the implementation of a healthy eating plan and lifestyle guidelines. For those individuals who suffer from obesity and overweight conditions, or have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, an integrative health approach that involves dietary modifications and physical activity has been found to have greater impact than pharmacologic options.