Metabolic illness in the US is the norm rather than the exception. Case in point: the most frequently cited statistic about metabolic disease became obsolete in just three years.
According to research from 2022, only 6.8% of Americans can be considered cardiometabolically healthy, which is down from 12.2% in 2019. This is almost double what we saw just 36 months ago, and an increase of 17,922,600 Americans who may be facing an early death.
It’s clear that metabolic health in the US is only getting worse. And while there are several reasons we’re seeing a rapid increase, the biggest one is staring us in the face: a lack of education.
Research finds that adults with less education are less than half as likely to have good metabolic health than those with more education. Because how can you take action if you don’t know you’re at risk?
Making information about metabolic health publically available is the best way to solve this. The more we talk about the metabolic ‘elephant’ in the room, the less we’ll hesitate to do something about it — and the more we’ll invest into getting the help we need.
Common metabolic health FAQs
Americans need to know three basic things about metabolic health: what it is, who’s at risk, and what can be done to manage it.
We’ll start with the most straightforward question:
What is metabolic health?
Most of us are familiar with the term ‘metabolism,’ which is the process that converts sugar in our blood into the energy we need to perform daily tasks. However, many of us are less familiar with metabolics — a term used to describe the health of our metabolism, or how effectively it’s converting energy.
In other words, metabolic health is the measurement of how well our metabolic system is working and how efficiently we’re able to convert food into fuel.
What are the metabolic health criteria?
Metabolic health can’t be quantified by scores or percentages, but it can be measured by certain biological markers.
There are five elements of metabolic health:
- Blood pressure: A reading of less than 130/85 is considered healthy for average adults.
- Blood sugar: Your blood glucose should be less than 100 mg/dL.
- Waist circumference: Men should have waist circumferences under 40 inches, while women should remain under 35 inches.
- Triglycerides: Triglyceride readings for healthy adults are less than 150 mg/dL.
- HDL Cholesterol: Men should have an HDL greater than 40 mg/dL and women should have a level >50 mg/dL
You can use some easy tests to measure your metabolic health at home, or visit your PCP to take an in-depth blood panel.
What are metabolic health problems?
Metabolic health problems occur when one or more of your metabolic factors fall outside their optimal zone. This has a domino effect on your other metabolic functions, and may eventually knock the rest of them out of place as your situation progresses.
You may not notice the symptoms of metabolic disease all at once — people rarely do — but you’ll probably experience more as you age. Some of the most common results of poor metabolic health are:
Who gets metabolic syndrome?
Because metabolic health is related to diet and exercise more than genetic factors, practically everyone can be at risk for metabolic syndrome.
You may be more at risk if you are overweight, smoke or drink, or have a family history of metabolic illness. These factors are compounded even more if you work in a high stress environment, get little sleep, and have a relatively processed diet.
Can metabolic damage be reversed?
Metabolic illness can be life-threatening, but it doesn’t have to be chronic. Making some positive changes with real food, sleep, and exercise can slow or even reverse the progression of metabolic syndrome.
The good news is, it doesn’t take very long. Some studies suggest improvements in cardiometabolics within one to three months of making positive lifestyle changes.
Can I use a metabolic health calculator to see how healthy I am?
An online metabolic health quiz can help you assess current health factors, signs of illness, and any risks for metabolic disease. However, your personal health is far more nuanced than what a boilerplate survey can manage — so it may be important to get a professional opinion.
You’re welcome to chat with me one-on-one and learn more about your personal metabolic health.
Where to ask more questions about metabolic health
This FAQ scratches the surface of what you should know about metabolic health, but it’s not an exhaustive list by any means.
If you have additional questions about cardiometabolic health, you’re welcome to drop by my monthly Q&A meeting and ask away.
You’ll also have access to my group coaching program where you can take online courses, read supporting material, and learn how to Stay Off My Operating Table®.