Relationship between regional fat distribution and insulin resistance

Abstract

Visceral fat is a strong predictor of insulin resistance in obese subjects, but not in normal weight individuals, suggesting that this association might occur only beyond a certain threshold of visceral fat amount. Unlike subcutaneous fat, increased visceral fat is associated with increased hepatic glucose production and reduced glucose disposal. This association is independent of the methodology used to assess insulin sensitivity in humans. This article reviews all relevant data coming from epidemiological, clinical and interventional (weight loss) studies and studies obtained in identical twins.