METABOLIC SYNDROME AND EXERCISE

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a common and complex disease associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Its main components are abdominal obesity, dysglycemia, dyslipidemia and hypertension. The prevalence of MS is increasing worldwide and progressively reaching the lower age groups. Despite the multi etiologic claims, the syndrome's pathogenesis has not been fully clarified. Insufficient use of the skeletal muscles, the largest metabolic organ of the body in size, raises metabolic handicap. Development of MS even in normal body weight people has drawn attention on sedentary lifestyles. On the other hand, metabolic status can improve with regular exercise in obese people, even in the absence of weight loss. Therefore, in terms of sports medicine practice, instead of focusing on body mass index, combating through physical inactivity should be a priority in the strategy against MS. Regular exercise is an effective and safe option for both the prevention and treatment of MS. Sports medicine should undertake a key role in exercise therapy in a multidisciplinary approach model related to metabolic syndrome.