(NaturalHealth365) Metabolic syndrome is a lifestyle-related illness that has a massive negative impact on our healthcare system and individuals. But is rarely talked about.  In fact, this condition contributes greatly to 70% of deaths worldwide,  according to the WHO.

Simply put, metabolic syndrome is the prevalence of a combination of lifestyle-related diseases. You’ll know if it affects you if you have at least three of the following; a large waist size (40″ in men, 35″ in women), higher than 150mg/dL in triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol (lower than 40mg/dL in men, and 50mg/dL in women), blood pressure higher than 130/85 mm Hg, or a fasting blood sugar level of over 100mg/DL.  Of course, taking blood pressure or cholesterol medication are also an indication of metabolic syndrome issues.

Let’s not forget how chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular issues complement each other. Once you suffer from one, the others can develop easily.  The truth is that 40% of the U.S. population is suffering from metabolic syndrome.

If you have just one of these risk factors, modifying your lifestyle must become a priority.  And, in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, quantitative research in China and the USA reveal staggering evidence as to why metabolic syndrome is now more dangerous than ever.

Statistics reveal these COVID-19 susceptibility risk factors

In early-stage research out of Wuhan, China, almost 50% of cases had an underlying condition related to the syndrome. 20% of cases had type 2 diabetes, 15% with hypertension and 15% of cases had cardiovascular issues. As the epicenter moved toward the USA, the same trends continued.

From February 12 to March 28, statistical research revealed that one in three hospitalized cases had at least one risk factor of metabolic syndrome. A staggering 11% of cases had type 2 diabetes. From the March 1 to April 6, 40% of hospital admissions had either diabetes or uncontrolled blood sugar upon admission.  In addition, 85% of people who suffer from type 2 diabetes are also overweight or obese.

The strong link between hospitalized COVID-19 cases and metabolic syndrome is undeniable!

Research shows that in hospitalized cases, body mass index (BMI) is one of the key predictors of COVID-19 cases.  In fact, a BMI more than 40kg/m² is the highest predictor of hospitalized COVID-19 risk factors only behind age.  Unfortunately, most people remain uninformed about this crucial information.

Metabolic syndrome drastically decreases your chances of survival

The research is very clear: your risk of premature death is much greater with the underlying health conditions associated with metabolic syndrome.  In the February and March study, 78% of ICU admissions had one of the risk factors, and a staggering 94% of deaths had at least one of these underlying health conditions.

In the March and April study, death rates were four times more likely in those with diabetes.  Almost 29% of hospitalized cases of those with diabetes resulted in death, compared to only a 6% fatality rate in those without diabetes.

Obese people are more susceptible to respiratory based illnesses such as pneumonia.  So this research from academic hospitals doesn’t come as a surprise.

In most cases, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and obesity are lifestyle-related illnesses. To reduce your chances of metabolic syndrome and the possibility of a severe COVID-19 illness, you must take urgent action for your health today.

Reduce your chances of severe illness by taking these actions today

Thankfully, reducing your chances or treating metabolic syndrome is entirely in your hands. To minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease, related symptoms, or type 2 diabetes; it’s recommended that you build a lifestyle of these healthy habits.

Increase daily movement: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you get 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day, or 150 minutes per week.

Reduce toxin intake: Sugar, alcohol, and processed foods must be eliminated or limited.  Food in its natural state are best.  Eat more organic vegetables, fruits and local (chemical free) animal products.

Support your natural detoxification system: Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system does not have a beating heart to facilitate the transport of toxins out of your body. You need to move each day and drink at least eight glasses of water to help remove the unwanted debris.

While it’s clear that metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes determine fatality and ICU admission probabilities, you can help arm yourself against COVID-19 severity. Regular movement and balanced food and hydration choices will help you become way less susceptible, and not just survive but thrive!

Sources for this article include:

WebMD.com
Thelancet.com
Worldobesity.org
Jamanetwork.com