[Effect of weight loss on adipose tissue distribution and insulin sensitivity]

To discuss the effect of weight reduction on fat distribution and parameters of insulin sensitivity.

12 Caucasian women with simple obesity, aged 21 to 65 years, were treated by low caloric and high protein diet for four weeks. A series of examinations were taken before and after the treat, using computerized tomography for visceral and subcutaneous fat, using euglycemic insulin clamp for parameters of insulin sensitivity.

Weight loss was (6 +/- 2) kg (2-11 kg). body mass index (BMI), waist, total fat, visceral fat, and subcutaneous fat reduced significantly. However waist-hip rate, visceral-total fat rate, and subcutaneous-total fat rate did not change significantly. Fasting serum insulin, and fasting insulin-glucose rate decreased significantly. Insulin metabolic clearance rate and, insulin sensitive index increased significantly. Fasting peptide C did not change significantly.

The low caloric and high protein diet can reduce visceral and subcutaneous fat. Weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity and increase insulin metabolic clearance rate.