Good News for Late Exercise Bloomers

Metabolic syndrome is not inevitable -- even if you're currently a bump on a log.

Just start walking. Doing so today could slash your risk of the syndrome by as much as 24 percent within 3 years. Even if you're over 60 years of age. And carry a few extra pounds. And have a couch potato history.

Buck the Trend
One-quarter of adults have metabolic syndrome, and the number jumps to 40 percent after age 60. You can avoid joining those ranks with a few changes, even if you're a Johnny-come-lately to the healthful lifestyle brigade.

Here's what you need to do to:

1. Get moving. Exercise reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome, even if you're over 60 years of age, overweight, or haven't exercised before. Check with your doctor, then try the RealAge 20-Minute Workout.

2. Slim down. Extra weight around the middle is especially inviting to metabolic syndrome. Get waist-whittling tips in the YOU: On a Diet center.

3. Control carbs. Eating too many ups your risk. Try these low-carb recipes.

4. Snuff it out. If you smoke, quit. Stay off tobacco long enough and your risk dips to almost the level it would be if you'd never puffed in the first place.

Modifiable lifestyle factors and the metabolic syndrome in older men: effects of lifestyle changes. Wannamethee, S. G., Shaper, A. G., Whincup, P. H., Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 2006 Dec;54(12):1909-1914.