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.