24-Year-Old Man With Severe Metabolic Syndrome Admits a Common Mistake Many People Make Without Realizing It

A 24-year-old man diagnosed with severe metabolic syndrome—placing him at high risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes—developed the condition after years of prolonged sitting, excessive consumption of sugary drinks and fast food, and a lack of physical activity.

Metabolic Syndrome Linked to Prolonged Sitting and Fast Food Consumption

Working in a data-related job, Mr. Mạnh spent 10–12 hours a day sitting in front of a computer, not including additional overtime at home. To stay alert and energized, he frequently consumed carbonated soft drinks and fast food. During his free time, he either slept to recover or went out drinking beer with friends to “relieve stress.”

In recent months, Mr. Mạnh began experiencing frequent dizziness, fatigue, and blurred vision. Believing work pressure was the cause, he tried to rest more, but his condition did not improve.

After undergoing a general health check at Tâm Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City (Tân Sơn Hòa Ward campus), Dr. Lâm Văn Hoàng, Head of the Endocrinology–Diabetes Department, confirmed that Mr. Mạnh had fairly severe metabolic syndrome, meeting all diagnostic criteria.

Specifically, his waist circumference measured 102 cm (normal <90 cm), triglycerides were 170 mg/dL (normal <150 mg/dL), HDL cholesterol dropped below 40 mg/dL (normal >40 mg/dL), blood pressure reached 130/85 mmHg (normal <120/80 mmHg), and fasting blood glucose was 120 mg/dL (normal <100 mg/dL).

InBody analysis revealed that Mr. Mạnh had class II obesity, weighing 93 kg with a BMI of 32. His visceral fat level was double the safe threshold.

Metabolic Syndrome Greatly Increases the Risk of Heart Disease and Diabetes

According to Dr. Hoàng, metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions characterized by abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, impaired blood sugar regulation or insulin resistance, and abnormal blood lipid levels. It is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic complications.

People with metabolic syndrome face a fivefold higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and a twofold increase in cardiovascular disease risk within 5–10 years. Additionally, the risk of stroke increases by 2–4 times, myocardial infarction by 3–4 times, and cardiovascular-related mortality doubles compared to those without the syndrome.

“Most concerning is that metabolic syndrome is becoming increasingly common and affecting younger people, especially office workers like Mr. Mạnh. Because it often lacks clear symptoms, it is easily overlooked,” Dr. Hoàng emphasized.

In the past, metabolic syndrome was typically seen in middle-aged individuals due to aging and metabolic decline. Today, however, it is appearing more frequently in younger populations.

Main Causes of Metabolic Syndrome

Dr. Hoàng explained that in young adults, metabolic syndrome is primarily driven by prolonged work-related stress, excessive calorie intake, fat accumulation, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, alcohol consumption, and chronic psychological stress.

Treatment must focus on controlling each risk factor—high blood pressure, abdominal fat, dyslipidemia, and elevated blood glucose—with weight loss playing a central role.

What to Do When Signs of Metabolic Syndrome Appear

Mr. Mạnh was placed on a personalized, multidisciplinary treatment plan involving endocrinology, nutrition, and physical activity to reduce weight and abdominal fat. In addition to oral and injectable medications to help control appetite, he was advised to make significant lifestyle changes.

He replaced soft drinks with coconut water or lightly sweetened tea, increased his intake of vegetables, fruits, and lean protein, and adjusted his diet to reduce saturated fat, limit simple sugars and high–glycemic index foods, while increasing legumes and whole grains.

“Losing just 10–15% of body weight can significantly improve and control metabolic syndrome,” Dr. Hoàng noted.

By strictly following medical and nutritional guidance, Mr. Mạnh maintained at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity daily, including strength training, jogging, or cycling.

After one month, he lost 4 kg. After three months, his total weight loss reached 14 kg, and his waist circumference decreased by 10 cm. Follow-up tests showed stabilized blood glucose and blood pressure, along with marked improvements in triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

“My goal is to reach 70 kg, and I will continue to follow my doctor’s instructions consistently,” Mr. Mạnh shared.