Prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome:role of physical activity

摘要

Aims. - To describe the various components of the metabolic syndrome (MS) and to show that regular physical activity has favourable effects on component of the MS.Current knowledge. - The term metabolic syndrome represents a constellation of metabolic abnormalities and of cardiovascular risk factors: abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hypertension. MS predicts the development of cardiovascular disease; type 2 diabetes and all-cause mortality in non-diabetic individuals. It now affects up to a quarter of men and women in Europe.Prospects. - Epidemiological studies have shown that regular physical activity has favourable effects on each individual component that constitute the MS. Although few randomised controlled trials have been published, several large epidemiological prospective studies provide strong evidence that regular physical activity is effective in the prevention or treatment of the MS. Walking is the most common form of physical activity and its effectiveness in the primary or secondary prevention of the MS has been proven. If there are no contraindications, more vigorous physical activity or resistance training should also be considered to obtain additional health benefits.