Dr. Ravi Dhingra and colleagues out of Harvard recently analyzed data from the Framingham Heart Study and found that people who drank at least one 12 ounce soda each day had a 44% increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The soda could be regular or diet and caffeinated or decaf. This suggests that it’s not just caloric intake that results in the metabolic syndrome.
What is metabolic syndrome and why is it relevant to psychiatry? In simple terms, Metabolic syndrome is seen as a precursor (condition that comes first) to developing type II diabetes. Mood stabilizing agents used in psychiatry such as Zyprexa, Geodon, Abilify, Seroquel and Risperdal all increase an individual’s risk of developing metabolic syndrome. These drugs can be very important in treating people with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. We sometimes use it for other purposes such as difficult to treat depression. Many people will take Seroquel for sleep. But we now have to carefully monitor patients taking these drugs for the development of metabolic syndrome and weigh the risks/benefits of prescribing these medications.
Metabolic syndrome is defined by having three or more factors:
- Waist circumference greater than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men;
- Fasting blood sugar of 100 mg/dL or taking insulin;
- Blood pressure of 135/75 mm/Hg or taking blood pressure medication;
- Serum triglyceride levels of 150 mg/dL;
- HDL cholesterol less than 50 mg/dL for women and 40 mg/dL for men.
Why is the soda consumption important? I thought it is significant that even diet sodas are linked to metabolic syndrome. Often people think they are protected from weight gain issues if they consume caffeine free, diet drinks and will consume them in large quantities. This is important information for anyone maintaining healthy eating habits. But those taking any of the mood stabilizing agents mentioned above, it is especially important to be cautious about soda consumption so as not to multiply one’s risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
Let me know what you think