Metabolic Syndrome: A wake-up call

Metabolic Syndrome, already affecting over 40% of the US population over the age of 60, is fast becoming "the plague of the 21^st century" in developed nations. The time has come for health system policymakers to prioritize the fight against Metabolic Syndrome and its associated morbidity. We need an aggressive effort and funding for better early diagnosis, educational programs and assistance for lifestyle changes, basic research, as well as novel drug development programs. Failing in this effort, we are doomed to witness further increases in morbidity from associated diseases, ranging from type 2 diabetes to coronary heart disease and stroke, with these events taking place at younger ages. The cost to society is projected to be so high that it justifies an effort at least similar in magnitude to past and current drives for fighting cancer, drug abuse, and AIDS. Sadly, it seems that so far we have fallen behind in our battle against Metabolic Syndrome. We call upon government and industry leaders to wake up and engage the fight against Metabolic Syndrome and its associated diseases. The clock is ticking and the cost to society is escalating.