No, it's not the title of the latest sci-fi movie. 'Syndrome X', also known as 'The Metabolic Syndrome', is a collection of symptoms which, when they occur together in one person, indicate a predisposition to diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

Experts estimate that about 25% of the population have the condition - not surprising when you consider the general trend towards unhealthy, inactive lifestyles today. That means that 1 in 4 people have this potentially fatal condition.

Scary, huh? It's true though, so you'd better be aware of it, because you or someone you know, may be at risk.

How do you know if you've got Syndrome X? The symptoms include:

.Excessive fat in and around your abdomen ('central obesity')

.Blood fat disorders - low HDL ('good cholesterol') and high triglycerides.

.Raised blood pressure (130/85 or higher)

.Insulin resistance or glucose intolerance (where your body can't properly use insulin or blood sugar)

.Easy clotting of blood.

Because the syndrome is generally associated with insulin resistance, the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably. When you are resistant to insulin, your body tends to store fat. When you're sensitive to insulin (the normal state), your body releases any excess fat available.

Two factors which lead to insulin resistance are excessive fat (overweight people are more likely to be resistant than others) and physical inactivity.

What can you do TODAY to reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes and the other serious illnesses related to Syndrome X?

>Get active. Begin to walk every day. Briskly. Start with 15 minute walks each day, then gradually increase until you can walk for 30 minutes each day.

>Start eating right. Eat at least 5 times a day, and make the portions small. Eat only when you're hungry and stop eating once you feel full.

>Cut out the junk food. Eat more whole and fresh foods. Fruits and vegetables. Eat fewer processed foods. Drink lots of water. Take high quality nutritional supplements which are guaranteed to be potent and bioavailable (easily absorbed into your bloodstream).

>Bottom line here: if you're overweight, you need to lose the excess fat and get physically active in order to make your body sensitive to the insulin it makes. Even if you're not overweight, make sure you're physically active and eating the right type of food in the right amounts.

Don't put this off any longer. Syndrome X is a real danger and you could be at risk.

Stop reading this right now, and go for your 15 minute walk. This minute. Go ahead - do it NOW.

Dr Kem Thompson is a Health & Success Coach, Speaker and Author.

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