How Does Obesity Cause Insulin Resistance?

Obesity may cause insulin resistance. Fortunately, this may be overcome by reducing your weight.

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas to keep your blood sugars from going too high—meant to detoxify excess sugar in your body, but too much insulin is problematic. Read on to learn more.

What Does It Mean to Be Insulin Resistant?

When you start consuming too much sugar, it could result in too much insulin being present in your system. High insulin can cause damage to the body. As a result, the cells downregulate insulin, meaning that they no longer absorb it.

This condition is known as insulin resistance and can lead to starved cells, high blood sugar, and damage to the body (1).

Causes of Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is caused by overexposure to insulin (2). High-carb diets and sugary drinks cause insulin to flood your system, and these calories tend to get stored as body fat.

Lack of physical activity and excess body fat, especially belly fat, are the two primary factors contributing to insulin resistance.

Chronic stress is another potential cause of insulin resistance. When you are under chronic stress, your body releases cortisol and adrenaline, two hormones that clash and may inhibit the potential of insulin.

Belly Fat and Insulin Resistance

Obesity and visceral fat—the fat in and around your organs—are triggering factors for insulin resistance. Many organs, including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines, are situated in the belly. Belly fat may cause insulin resistance (3); thus, belly fat is the most dangerous fat of all.

A comprehensive weight management program and a clear understanding of the causes of obesity can help you tackle this problem efficiently.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided by DarioHealth Corp. programs is general in nature and is not meant to replace the advice or care you get from your doctor or other health care professional.

Resources

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/insulin-resistance
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507839/
3. https://diabetesjournals.org/diabetes/article/66/4/815/16020/Role-of-Adipose-Tissue-Insulin-Resistance-in-the

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