Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the Acute Effects of Strength Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Adults
Published on: December 1, 2023
Diminished insulin resistance with weight loss in severely overweight youth
James N Roemmich1, Emily Y Liu, Alan D Rogol
1Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York., Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York.
Background:
The influence of weight loss on insulin resistance was determined in severely overweight (BMI Z-score: 7.3 +/- 0.9 z-units) hyperinsulinemic (mean fasting serum insulin concentration: 33.0 +/- 6.7 muIU/mL) youth.
Methods:
Eight overweight youth and obese parents were studied at baseline and then at 6 and 12 months after behavioral weight loss therapy. Non-treated lean youth (n = 8) served as controls for normal interval growth. The groups were matched for sex, race, age (10.2 versus 10.1 years), and pubertal maturation, and evaluated for weight, height, blood pressure, and the homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).
Results:
Overweight youth had reductions (p = 0.05) in % overBMI (BMI - BMI at 50th percentile)/BMI at 50(th) percentile * 100), HOMA-IR, and systolic blood pressure after 6 months of treatment. These were sustained until the 12-month follow-up, while the control group did not change. Youth with the greatest reduction in % overBMI had the greatest reduction in HOMA-IR (r = 0.59, p = 0.05), and HOMA-IR was directly related (r = 0.56, p = 0.03) to the change in systolic blood pressure. Parents of overweight youth had reductions (p = 0.05) in % overBMI. There was a robust relationship between child and parent % overBMI change (r = 0.82, p = 0.05).
Conclusions:
Insulin resistance can be reduced in severely overweight youth following 6 months of weight loss therapy and maintained for 12 months. The relationship between child and parent weight change supports the role of the parent in modeling appropriate weight loss behaviors and restructuring the environment so that weight loss is possible.
Related Concept Videos
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
