Dietary Determinants of Metabolic Syndrome: Focus on the Obesity and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels, significantly heightens the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease. With the adoption of a Western-style diet characterized by a high intake of corn sugar, saturated fats, and ultra-processed foods, these metabolic disorders have reached pandemic proportions globally. This chapter addresses the rising rates of obesity and MASLD, stressing the critical impact of dietary habits on these issues. It highlights how a healthy diet can mitigate risks, pointing out the detrimental effects of poor nutrition. The text examines the complex relationship between diet, adiposity, and liver health, analyzing the role of macronutrient composition, calorie intake, and processed foods in metabolic dysregulation. It proposes comprehensive nutritional strategies and public health policies, including the adoption of an inverted food pyramid, to tackle metabolic syndrome, obesity, and MASLD effectively, advocating for a holistic approach to dietary changes.