metabolic syndrome has been associated with atherosclerosis, inflammatory disorders, polycystic ovarian syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and oxidative stress (Bruce & Cagampang, 2011). Metabolic syndrome is not only an affliction of aging populations; since the 1980s, obesity rates among American children ages two to five years have doubled (Pharmacy Times, 2011). Currently, about 10% of children less than two years of age and 20% of children ages two to five years are obese (Pharmacy Times, 2011). Epidemiologist David Freedman from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that overweight five year olds are ten times more likely to become obese adults than five year olds within a healthy BMI range for age (Blue,
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However, it is possible to miss individuals that otherwise appear “healthy” and fall within a normal BMI range, but do have metabolic syndrome. Even at-risk individuals may delay treatment or be unable to seek it, due to lack of insurance or inability to access quality medical care in their community. A study conducted in Italy sampled 1,175 asymptomatic adults and aimed to discover the percentage of individuals with undiagnosed metabolic syndrome (Bo et al., 2007). Using definitions of metabolic syndrome as established by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the researchers discovered that 16.4% (NCEP) and 28.8% (IDF) of the subjects had metabolic syndrome but did not know. Fifty-two percent of the individuals that participated were overweight or obese, which accounted for 85% of the undiagnosed cases. Nineteen percent of participants were of a healthy weight but only took part in occasional, light physical activity, and they comprised 12% (NCEP) and 13% (IDF) of the undiagnosed cases. Regular, complete physical screening is important in making accurate diagnoses (Bo et al.,
However, it is possible to miss individuals that otherwise appear “healthy” and fall within a normal BMI range, but do have metabolic syndrome. Even at-risk individuals may delay treatment or be unable to seek it, due to lack of insurance or inability to access quality medical care in their community. A study conducted in Italy sampled 1,175 asymptomatic adults and aimed to discover the percentage of individuals with undiagnosed metabolic syndrome (Bo et al., 2007). Using definitions of metabolic syndrome as established by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the researchers discovered that 16.4% (NCEP) and 28.8% (IDF) of the subjects had metabolic syndrome but did not know. Fifty-two percent of the individuals that participated were overweight or obese, which accounted for 85% of the undiagnosed cases. Nineteen percent of participants were of a healthy weight but only took part in occasional, light physical activity, and they comprised 12% (NCEP) and 13% (IDF) of the undiagnosed cases. Regular, complete physical screening is important in making accurate diagnoses (Bo et al.,