Weight and Insulin Sensitivity

Fat stored around the belly is linked with more insulin resistance. Two people at the same weight can store fat in different places.

Think of clutter in a house. Boxes in a closet stay out of the way. Boxes in the hallway block the traffic.

So weight alone does not tell the whole story. Waist size may track with belly fat better than overall body weight does.

Body fat does more than store energy. Deep belly fat, also called visceral fat, sends out chemicals into the body. These chemicals can make it harder for cells to hear insulin.

It is like a whisper in a loud room. The message is still sent, but it is harder to hear.

Insulin sensitivity means how well your cells hear insulin's message. Losing weight can improve it for many people, according to research.

A weight plan is a bit like shoes. It has to fit the person wearing it. A doctor or dietitian can help you pick a change that fits you.

Key takeaways

• Fat stored around the belly is linked with greater insulin resistance.
• Deep belly fat releases substances that can interfere with insulin's messages.
• Weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity for many people.

Try it

Write down your waist size from a soft tape measure today, so you have a starting number to compare later.