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Dietary and lifestyle interventions in the management of the metabolic syndrome: present status and future perspective

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 56, pages 1264–1269 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective: To review the mechanisms underlying the metabolic syndrome, or syndrome X, in humans, and to delineate dietary and environmental strategies for its prevention.

Design: 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.

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Author notes

  1. L Tappy: Guarantor: L Tappy.

  2. K Minehira and L Tappy: Contributors: L Tappy and K Minehira wrote this review.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut de physiologie, Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland

    K Minehira & L Tappy

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  1. K Minehira
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Correspondence to L Tappy.

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Minehira, K., Tappy, L. Dietary and lifestyle interventions in the management of the metabolic syndrome: present status and future perspective. Eur J Clin Nutr 56, 1264–1269 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601645

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