Exercising, even moderately, can significantly reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, a condition that increases heart disease and diabetes risk, among older adults, according to a study.

The six-month study involved over 100 people between the ages of 55 and 75. Half were "prescribed" exercises ranging from weightlifting to walking, which were performed for one hour, three times a week. The other participants were given a booklet that encouraged increased activity to promote good health.

Some 43 percent of participants had metabolic syndrome when the study began. At the end of six months, the following results were observed among the exercise group:

• No new cases of metabolic syndrome developed
• Metabolic syndrome resolved in nine people for a total reduction of 41 percent

In the control group:

• Eight people had their metabolic syndrome resolve
• Four new cases of metabolic syndrome developed, resulting in a total reduction of 18 percent

Metabolic syndrome, to which older people are prone, involves a number of factors including:

• Excessive fat tissue in and around the abdomen
• High levels of unhealthy cholesterol in the blood
• Raised blood pressure
• An inability to use sugar in the blood properly

Each factor increases the risk of disease, but when all the factors are combined they represent a significant risk for developing heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Researchers said the reduction in cases of metabolic syndrome was linked strongly to reductions in total and abdominal body fat and increases in muscle leanness, rather than to improved fitness.

They concluded that older people can reduce their risk of metabolic syndrome by adding exercise into their lives, and added that exercise can even be as effective as drugs in improving the condition.

American Journal of Preventative Medicine January 2005;28(1):9-18

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Previously, I posted an article detailing some of the risks of metabolic syndrome, a potentially deadly mix of several conditions including: Weight gain Obesity Lack of physical activity Various genetic factors As always, preventing weight gain and obesity is far easier than applying treatment options, though the success of prevention depends directly on the patient. I was entirely pleased by the results of this study, particularly the advice of the lead researcher whose words largely mirror my own: "Our results show that this population can be motivated to follow through with a moderate exercise program, and for some risk factors, such as abdominal fat, exercise can be as effective as what is accomplished today with drugs." It's also important for you to think of exercise like a "drug." Needless to say, very few clinicians or patients understand this. In fact, exercise is one of the most powerful "drugs" that we have to treat type 2 diabetes and related conditions. Unlike typical commercial drugs, exercise can actually cause one to go into permanent remission for diabetes. If you haven't read my recent exercise guidelines yet I would encourage you to do so as it will give you the specifics on how much you can use exercise like a drug. There's plenty of information on my site that can help you jump-start an exercise program, particularly from experts in the field, contributing editors Paul Chek and Ben Lerner. But don't wait until a health problem develops! Get out and start exercising today. I can't say enough about the benefits it will bring to your physical health and mental outlook. Related Articles: Metabolic Syndrome: An Epidemic Among Overweight Non-exercisers Start Exercising: It’s Never Too Late Exercise Reduces Diabetes by Reducing Insulin Resistance Exercise Better Than Drugs For Depression Elliptical Machines Are Ideal For Indoor Exercise Simple Exercises Effective for Vertigo