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Registered Dietitians Treat Metabolic Syndrome with Combination of Diet and Exercise

FOR RELEASE SEPTEMBER 1, 2007

Media contacts: Jennifer Starkey, Julia Dombrowski
                          800/877-1600, ext. 4802, 4769
                          media@eatright.org

CHICAGO – With more than 45 million American adults estimated to have metabolic syndrome, medical disorders that can increase a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, registered dietitians have become a vital part of an effective treatment plan.

“Early intervention is a key component in the prevention of heart disease and diabetes,” says registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Roberta Anding. “Registered dietitians are essential in helping to treat metabolic syndrome and working to prevent more serious medical problems from developing.”

Anding will lead a session titled “Diet and Exercise: The Winning Team for the Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome,” Sunday, September 30, at the American Dietetic Association’s 2007 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo in Philadelphia, Pa.

ADA’s meeting will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, September 29 to October 2. About 10,000 registered dietitians as well as food and nutrition policy makers, health-care providers, researchers and industry leaders will attend.

The main features of metabolic syndrome are obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia (a disruption of the amount of lipids in blood), glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, says Anding, a clinical dietitian in adolescent and sports medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. Abdominal obesity is one of the most prevalent signs of the syndrome. Other factors such as sleep apnea, polycystic ovarian syndrome and fatty liver disease are also associated with metabolic syndrome.

“While most individuals with metabolic syndrome are obese, there are cases where people with a normal body mass index develop the syndrome,” Anding says. “Any sort of healthy lifestyle modification can help prevent more serious problems from developing. Studies have shown that even 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day can make a positive difference in treating metabolic syndrome.”

During the ADA session, Anding and Philip Orlander, MD, director of the division of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, will discuss dietary components to treat metabolic syndrome, including:

Adding omega 3 fatty acids to the diet
Including magnesium rich, high-fiber foods into a healthful eating plan
Consuming adequate amounts of vitamin D, calcium and dairy products.

With more than 67,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.

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