Metabolic Syndrome Linked to Carbohydrate-Rich
Diet
January 4, 2005
Littleton Hospital Practicing Physician Develops Comprehensive
Diet, Nutrition and Exercise Plans to Help Patients,
at Risk for the Metabolic Syndrome, Improve Their Health
and Achieve Optimal Weight Loss Goals.
Metabolic Syndrome, a health condition characterized
by obesity, high cholesterol levels, elevated blood
pressure and pre-diabetes, presently affects nearly
47 million Americans. The underlying causes for this
syndrome include unhealthy diet, physical inactivity
and genetic factors, which significantly increase the
risk for coronary heart disease, stroke and type II
diabetes. Metabolic Syndrome is closely associated with
a generalized metabolic disorder called insulin resistance,
in which the body cannot use insulin efficiently resulting
in unhealthy insulin levels and illness.
In recent years, the link between an unhealthy carbohydrate-rich
diet, high insulin levels, obesity and The Metabolic
Syndrome has become clear. Treatment for these conditions
using a controlled carbohydrate diet, lowers insulin
levels, and has proven successful. Littleton-based Family
Physician, Dr. Jeffry Gerber, who has closely studied
obesity and The Metabolic Syndrome, has been improving
the lives and the health of his patients with prescribed
lifestyle changes including a controlled carbohydrate
diet, supplements and exercise.
"When we eat a carbohydrate-rich meal, we produce
higher levels of insulin, which signals the body to
store fat and cholesterol," said Dr. Gerber. "Eating
a meal containing healthy controlled carbohydrates,
proteins and fats allow our bodies to better regulate
blood sugar levels, insulin and more importantly, prohibits
the storage of fat and cholesterol and allows for healthy
weight loss."
While an extremely low-carbohydrate diet can produce
rapid weight loss in most patients, Dr. Gerber advocates
more of a gradual lifestyle change with his patients,
the goal being disease prevention and longevity. Unlike
books that sell on the promise of rapid weight loss,
Dr. Gerber's approach involves treating patients as
a whole, including a comprehensive plan of care under
the direction of a board certified physician. Dr. Gerber
carefully considers each patient's underlying medical
conditions and risk factors during treatment. For patients
with advanced disease such as type II diabetes or heart
disease, Dr. Gerber develops an individualized sensible
diet plan, with or without medication, and clinically
monitors their health and weight loss progress carefully.
"This isn't a fad diet, this is a lifestyle change,"
said Dr. Gerber. "Weight loss on a extremely low-carbohydrate
diet can produce rapid results, but it is important
that my patients adopt a healthier lifestyle for the
long-haul. A precise program, including diet, exercise
and nutritional supplements under the care of a physician,
is more beneficial to the patient in the long run."
The Metabolic Syndrome typically affects adults beginning
in their late thirties and early forties and may pose
a greater health risk than smoking for heart attack
and stroke. The condition is being seen in children
as well. While there are not well-accepted criteria
for diagnosing this condition, The Metabolic Syndrome
can be identified by the presence of three of four components
including obesity, pre-diabetes, high blood pressure
and high cholesterol. A physical examination and blood
work, including a two-hour glucose tolerance test, with
your doctor will help to detect insulin resistance and
The Metabolic Syndrome.
Jeffry Gerber, M.D., is a board certified family practice
physician. He earned his medical degree at the Temple
University School of Medicine in 1986 and was board
certified in family medicine in 1991. Dr. Gerber is
a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians,
the Colorado Academy of Family Physicians, the Colorado
and the Arapahoe-Douglas-Elbert medical societies. Dr.
Gerber's office, South Suburban Family Medicine, located
in Littleton, offers a complete range of family and
preventive medicine, including screening and treatment
for The Metabolic Syndrome and weight loss. He has been
serving the south metro Denver area since 1993.
Littleton Adventist Hospital is part of Centura Health,
a faith-based hospital system sponsored by Adventist
Health System and Catholic Initiatives. Littleton Adventist
Hospital is an acute-care, 175-bed hospital and Level
II Trauma Center. Known for its women and newborn care
including a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,
surgical services and emergency care, Littleton Adventist
Hospital has been south metro Denver's premier full-service
medical center since 1989.
Source:http://biz.yahoo.com
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