And Why They Matter
Metabolic health is a key piece of overall health. There are four markers affecting metabolic health that may signal how well the body is functioning. You may be surprised that a very small percentage – only 12% – of people have optimal metabolic health . A recent study notes, "changing from ATP III (Adult Treatment Panel III) guidelines to more recent cut points decreased the proportion of metabolically healthy Americans from 19.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.3–21.5) to 12.2% (95% CI: 10.9–13.6)."1 Taking steps to improve metabolic health is crucial in helping to stave off serious conditions like obesity and heart disease. 2
Sign #1: Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is essential for metabolic health. One way to ensure healthy blood sugar levels is to consume a diet that decreases refined sugars and carbohydrates and increases fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Elevated blood sugar levels, also known as hyperglycemia, can lead to a variety of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Sign #2: Healthy Body Composition
Body composition is the proportion of fat, muscle and bone in the body. Excess body fat, especially around the waist, is “the riskiest kind of fat, defined as more than 40 inches around the waist for men, or more than 35 inches for women,” according to Johns Hopkins University 3.
Sign #3: Blood Lipid Levels
Cholesterol and other fats in the blood play into overall blood lipid levels. High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease and other metabolic problems. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption may all help maintain healthy blood lipid levels.
Sign #4: Blood Pressure
Almost everyone understands blood pressure and the risks that come if blood pressure is too high. It can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other metabolic problems. So just like the other markers, ensuring that blood pressure is in a healthy range may help with overall health and wellness.
Why It All Matters
Metabolic health is directly related to how well the body functions, so if metabolic health is poor then overall health may be affected. Poor metabolic health, which may morph into metabolic syndrome in some cases, may lead to heart disease, stroke, obesity and many other serious illnesses 3. Maintaining a lifestyle that includes nutritious food and physical activity may go a long way in improving metabolic health and overall health. Want to know more? Visit our Knowledge Center for more information.
Metabolic Health & Empower Pharmacy
Empower Pharmacy is committed to expanding access to quality, affordable medication for providers and patients across the country. Our robust product catalog features more than 2,600 solutions to address multiple concerns, including those regarding metabolic health. We ship quickly and keep in touch with you every step of the way. Are you ready to partner with Empower Pharmacy? Or are you already a partner and need to speak with an Empower expert? Get in touch today.
- 1. Araújo, J., Cai, J., & Stevens, J. (2019). Prevalence of Optimal Metabolic Health in American Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2016. Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, 17(1), 46–52. https://doi.org/10.1089/met.2018.0105
- 2. Metabolic syndrome - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. (2021, May 6). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/metabolic-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20351916
- 3. a. b. The Metabolic Syndrome. (2022, April 6). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/the-metabolic-syndrome
