Psychological underpinnings of metabolic syndrome

• Published in: Proceedings of the Nutrition Society Vol. 64; no. 3; pp. 363 - 369
• Main Author: Stewart-Knox, Barbara J.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.08.2005
• Subjects: anthropometric measurements; Behavior; Blood pressure; Cardiovascular disease; Cultural; cultural behavior; Demographic; Diabetes; Disease Susceptibility; elderly; Gender differences; Hostility; human diseases; Humans; Hydrocortisone - metabolism; Insulin resistance; Life Style; lifestyle; Lifestyles; LIPGENE; literature reviews; Longitudinal studies; Males; Metabolic disorders; Metabolic syndrome; Metabolic Syndrome - etiology; Metabolic Syndrome - prevention & control; Metabolic Syndrome - psychology; Middle age; middle-aged adults; Nutrition research; Obesity; Psychological; psychological stress; psychosocial factors; risk behavior; risk factors; Serotonin - metabolism; Social; sociodemographic characteristics; Socioeconomic Factors; socioeconomic status; Stress, Physiological - metabolism; Stress, Physiological - physiopathology; Womens health; United Kingdom > UK; Psychological; Social; Demographic; Metabolic syndrome; Cultural
• ISSN: 0029-6651; 1475-2719
• DOI: 10.1079/PNS2005444

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is more common among socio-economically disadvantaged individuals and is associated with certain risky lifestyle practices. MS also appears to be triggered by adverse social circumstances and chronic stress. The present paper reviews accumulating evidence to imply that individuals who have certain personality and behaviour traits are particularly predisposed to develop MS, and brings together theories that relate to possible psychological mechanisms underlying MS. It considers how such factors might interact causally to encourage the development of MS. As part of the EU-funded LIPGENE Integrated Project, multi-level modelling will be undertaken to explore potential pathways to MS, taking into consideration the interplay between a range of psycho-social, demographic, cultural and lifestyle factors thought to contribute to the development of MS. Data will be gathered for this purpose from a representative sample of >50-year-olds living in Britain (n 1000) and Portugal (n 500). It is anticipated that this information will assist in the development and targetting of future intervention to prevent and treat MS in the normal population.