Metabolic Syndrome among Justice-Involved Individuals: Implications for Mood, Behavior, Cognition, and Physical Health

A modern-day epidemic and daunting public health challenge, metabolic syndrome is a constellation of cardio-metabolic risk factors, including high blood pressure, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, high triglycerides, central obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, and insulin dysfunction. The presence of metabolic syndrome drastically increases the risk of experiencing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and premature mortality. This is particularly true among those involved in the criminal justice system. Emerging research is also finding that metabolic syndrome has significant implications for mood, behavior, cognition, and physical health. This training provides attendees with (a) an overview of metabolic syndrome, (b) a review of the causes, consequences, and symptoms, and (c) an exploration of interventions for metabolic syndrome among justice-involved individuals. This training highlights the importance of adopting multidisciplinary and integrated approaches, characterized by collaborations with registered dieticians and licensed nutritionists, psychogastroenterologists, sleep specialists, exercise specialists, and other professionals. Such integrated care approaches (e.g., comprehensive screening and targeted holistic interventions) are crucial for improving short and long-term outcomes of justice-involved individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth fire setting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Dyslexia, Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.