What is the problem with visceral fat?
This fat is very different from that found on the thighs or buttocks (certainly unsightly, but not harmful to health). It coats the vital organs in the abdomen and directly threatens the heart. In addition, it secretes many substances: cytokine and interleukin-6 which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease; estrogen, which increases the risk of breast cancer …
Should we lose weight?
It’s essential. But avoid drastic diets, which would lead you to the Yo-Yo phenomenon rather than to long-term weight stability. The idea is to return to a “normal” calorie intake by promoting beneficial foods. Fruits and vegetables rich in polyphenols which take care of the blood vessels. Fish and vegetable oils full of good fatty acids (olive, walnut, rapeseed) to fight against cholesterol. Spices for Antioxidants… A 10% weight loss clearly improves disorders. And don’t forget to get moving: regular physical activity has beneficial effects on most of the symptoms of metabolic syndrome. It increases insulin sensitivity, activates hormonal systems, improves the ratio between good and bad cholesterol, reduces triglycerides and blood pressure.
Why monitor the glycemic index of meals?
The glycemic index (GI) is used to measure the impact of foods containing sugars on the body. Every time we eat a sweet food, the pancreas has to make insulin in order to get this sugar into the cells to be burned there. Because if the blood remains “sweet”, it rusts the organs and the whole body. When you eat too many high GI foods, blood sugar levels also rise too often. Over time, the pancreas stops following and secretes less and less insulin. This increases the risks of metabolic syndrome, overweight, cravings, vision problems, cancer, poor dental health, reduced immune defenses …
My child is overweight. Can he be affected?
“In the old days, children only had type 1 diabetes,” observes Dr. Nys. “Today you see children with type 2 diabetes (diet-related) early on.” Vascular lesions seem to develop from childhood, which indicates that the cardiovascular risk increases very early on: disorders of the arterial mechanics are demonstrated and persistent, even if the child loses weight. Conclusion: The metabolic GI diet should be the staple food for the whole family.
Thermal cures for real “anti-belly” results
Carried out on 145 patients of Eugénie-les-Bains, the Prisme study (PRIse in multidisciplinary charge of the Metabolic Syndrome during a spa treatment, 2010) showed that at the end of the treatment, and again one year later , 76% of patients no longer presented with metabolic syndrome.
• Indication “metabolic syndrome” in 6, 9, 12 or 18 days in Eugénie-les-Bains, Le Boulou and La Preste (Thermal chain of the sun, www.chainethermale.fr).
• Special 6-day treatment for men at the Saint-Malo marine thermal baths (www.thalassotherapie.com).
• “Obesity” cure in Brides-les-Bains (www.thermes-brideslesbains.fr).
