Metabolic Syndrome: America's Silent Epidemic

88% of U.S. adults have this condition - do you?

National Health Crisis

FitZone Medical Clinic

2064 Park St., Jacksonville, FL 32204

Shocking Statistic:

88% of U.S. adults have metabolic dysfunction according to research from the University of North Carolina.

Root Cause: Chronic carbohydrate overload and seed oil consumption
Solution: Low-carb nutrition and seed oil elimination

Diagnostic Criteria

You have Metabolic Syndrome if you meet 3 or more of these 5 criteria:

1

Large Waist Circumference

  • Women: ≥35 inches (89 cm)
  • Men: ≥40 inches (102 cm)
2

High Triglycerides

  • ≥150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)
  • Or on medication for high triglycerides
3

Low HDL Cholesterol

  • Women: <50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L)
  • Men: <40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L)
4

High Blood Pressure

  • ≥130/85 mmHg
  • Or on blood pressure medication
5

High Fasting Glucose

  • ≥100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L)
  • Or on medication for high glucose

Why This Matters

  • 5x higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes
  • 2x higher risk of heart attack or stroke
  • Increased risk of fatty liver disease and kidney disease
  • Accelerated aging and cognitive decline

The Root Cause: Carbohydrate Overload + Seed Oils

Carbohydrate Overload

  • Chronic high carb intake → chronically elevated insulin
  • Cells become resistant to insulin's signals
  • Pancreas produces even more insulin (hyperinsulinemia)
  • High insulin drives fat storage (especially visceral fat)

Seed Oil Damage

  • Industrial seed oils are high in omega-6 linoleic acid
  • Promotes chronic inflammation throughout the body
  • Damages mitochondria (cellular energy factories)
  • Worsens insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction

The Solution

By reducing carbohydrates and eliminating seed oils, we can reverse insulin resistance at its root cause rather than just treating symptoms.

Oil Replacement Guide

The Problem With Seed Oils

Seed oils (like vegetable, Crisco, canola, soybean, and corn oil) can upset your body's balance, leading to weight gain, high blood pressure, and higher blood sugar. They can also harm your heart and make it harder for your body to burn fat.

What happens when you stop using them:
When you cut out seed oils and switch to healthier fats (like butter, ghee, lard, beef tallow, bacon fat, olive oil, butter, or avocado oil), your blood pressure can improve, your A1C and cholesterol will improve, your body can respond better to insulin, and you may lose weight more easily and feel more energetic.

Avoid These Seed Oils

  • Soybean oil
  • Canola oil
  • Corn oil
  • Peanut oil
  • Cottonseed oil
  • Safflower oil
  • Safflower/Sunflower oil
  • Grapeseed oil
  • Rice bran oil
  • Vegetable oil blends
  • Crisco
  • Margarine (vegetable spreads)

Healthy Alternatives

  • Butter
  • Lard
  • Tallow
  • Bacon Fat
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Avocado oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Ghee

Cooking Tips

  • Best for cooking: Olive oil, butter, lard, tallow, avocado oil, coconut oil
  • Check labels: Many packaged foods contain hidden seed oils
  • Restaurants: Request food cooked in olive oil or butter

Low-Carb Diet Guidelines (≤50g net carbs/day)

Emphasize These Foods

  • Non-starchy vegetables (leafy greens, broccoli, etc.)
  • Quality proteins (meat, fish, eggs)
  • Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil)
  • Full-fat dairy (if tolerated)
  • Low-sugar berries (in moderation)

Limit These Foods

  • Refined grains (bread, pasta, rice)
  • Sugary foods and drinks
  • Starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn)
  • Processed low-fat foods
  • Most fruits (except berries)

The Metabolic Fix: Dietary Protocol

Low-Carb Nutrition

  • Aim for ≤50g net carbs per day (total carbs minus fiber)
  • Focus on non-starchy vegetables, quality proteins, healthy fats
  • Eliminate refined grains, sugars, and processed foods
  • Macronutrient ratio: 70% fat, 25% protein, 5% carbs

Seed Oil Elimination

  • Completely avoid: soybean, canola, corn, sunflower oils
  • Check labels - seed oils are in most processed foods
  • Use instead: olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, butter
  • Restaurant tip: request food cooked in butter or olive oil

Expected Improvements

Waist Circumference
↓ 2-4 inches
Triglycerides
↓ 30-50%
HDL Cholesterol
↑ 20-30%
Blood Pressure
↓ 10-20 mmHg

Recovery Timeline

1

First 72 Hours

  • Insulin levels begin to normalize
  • Initial water weight loss (2-5 lbs)
  • Reduced carb cravings
2

First 2 Weeks

  • Noticeable reduction in waist circumference
  • Triglycerides drop significantly
  • Blood pressure begins to improve
3

1-3 Months

  • Visceral fat reduction (belly fat)
  • HDL cholesterol increases
  • Fasting blood sugar normalizes
4

3-6 Months

  • Metabolic syndrome reversed in most cases
  • Possible medication reduction (with doctor supervision)
  • Sustained energy and mental clarity

Ready to Reverse Your Metabolic Syndrome?

88% of Americans have this condition - but you don't have to be one of them.

Call to Schedule an appointment at FitZone Medical Clinic

FitZone Medical Clinic • 2064 Park St., Jacksonville, FL 32204