Most adults unaware of metabolic health basics

Metabolic health is a term that has gained significant attention in recent years, with 80 percent of U.S. adults either not understanding what it means or having knowledge gaps about key areas that impact it. A recent online survey involving nearly 3,000 U.S. adults reveals that most people are not fully aware of the importance of metabolic health, which can help prevent chronic disease and promote longevity.

The survey, fielded by YouGov on behalf of Everyday Health, found that 48 percent of U.S. adults had heard the term “metabolic health” but weren’t sure what it meant, and 32 percent said the term was new to them. Knowledge gaps about the pillars of metabolic health exist, including the connection between low HDL cholesterol and poor metabolic health, as well as the relationship between blood pressure and metabolic health.

According to the survey, 62 percent of U.S. adults didn’t correctly link low HDL cholesterol to poor metabolic health, and 48 percent didn’t realize that metabolic health isn’t only about body weight. 48 percent also said blood pressure had “little connection” to metabolic health or were unsure. These gaps in understanding can have significant effects, as good metabolic health can help prevent chronic disease and promote longevity.

Arthi Thirumalai, MD, an endocrinologist with UW Medicine in Seattle, notes that patients often incorrectly believe they’re in “good metabolic health” if they’re thin and in “bad metabolic health” if they’re overweight. However, she says it’s not as simple as that. John Thyfault, PhD, a professor at KU Medical Center, agrees, stating that people often don’t understand the relationship between blood glucose, fat metabolism, and conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Despite these misunderstandings, 74 percent of U.S. adults correctly agreed that maintaining healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and waist circumference may support healthy aging. However, they struggle with how exactly to achieve these metrics. 68 percent correctly rejected the idea that only people with diabetes need to watch their blood sugar. Thyfault emphasizes that metabolic health is critical for a long and healthy life, and improving metabolic health can happen at any age and have long-term health effects.

Karen Corbin, PhD, a spokesperson for the Obesity Society, notes that body composition matters, as lean mass, which includes muscle, is the most critical component of how much energy the body uses. Muscle mass is also essential for mobility, independence, and quality of life, she says. Adverse metabolic health can affect the liver, as it can store excess fat, which can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease.

The survey found that blood pressure and cholesterol are topics that U.S. adults said they most commonly discuss with their doctor. But these conversations appear to neglect other important topics: 57 percent had never discussed muscle mass. 48 percent had never discussed liver health. 40 percent had never discussed triglyceride levels.

Improving metabolic health can happen at any age and have long-term health effects, such as lowering the risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Thyfault and Corbin agree that small changes can add up over time and improve metabolic health. The goal is to stack the deck each day with as many beneficial health habits as possible, which can also improve mental health.

It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Thyfault and Corbin emphasize that metabolic health is critical for a long and healthy life, and improving metabolic health can happen at any age and have long-term health effects, such as lowering the risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, which can be managed with the help of newly approved medications.