Dietary and lifestyle interventions in the management of the metabolic syndrome: present status and future perspective.
OBJECTIVE
To review the mechanisms underlying the metabolic syndrome, or syndrome X, in humans, and to delineate dietary and environmental strategies for its prevention.


METHODS
Review of selected papers of the literature.


RESULTS
Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance play a key role in the development of the metabolic syndrome. Strategies aimed at reducing insulin resistance may be effective in improving the metabolic syndrome. They include low saturated fat intake, consumption of low-glycemic-index foods, physical exercise and prevention of obesity.


CONCLUSIONS
Future research, in particular the genetic basis of the metabolic syndrome and the interorgan interactions responsible for insulin resistance, is needed to improve therapeutic strategies for the metabolic syndrome.
Minehira
K
K
Institut de physiologie, Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Tappy
L
L
D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet / Q000592:standards*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / Q000097:blood; D038321:Glycemic Index; D006801:Humans; D006946:Hyperinsulinism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008019:Life Style; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified