Metabolic syndrome at menopause influenced by social factors

Metabolic syndrome (which involves conditions such as weight gain high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar) can increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.  Women are often found to be vulnerable to the onset of metaoblic syndrome when they go through menopause.

A Korean study has found that there is an association between a woman’s socioeconomic circumstance and her likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome during menopause.  The study involved analysing data from 1,228 women aged 45-55 who were not undergoing hormone replacement therapy.

Women with less education and a lower income were twice as likely to develop metabolic syndrome (whether this was pre or post menopausal).  In addition, women who were overweight and led sedentary lifestyles were also significantly more likely to develop metabolic syndrome.

Read more:

http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-menopause-metabolic-syndrome-idUKKBN0U625S20151223

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/856223

Image credit: Shannon Fagan