Visceral Fat As The Main Obesity Index That Determines The Occurrence of Adipose Tissue Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance may occur in various organs, including adipose tissue, which causes increased lipolysis and blood free fatty acids (FFA). Insulin resistance in adipose tissue is commonly assessed using the Adipose Tissue Insulin Resistance (Adipo-IR) index, calculated using fasting insulin and FFA levels. This study aimed to evaluate which obesity index has the best predictive value to determine Adipo-IR.

This cross-sectional study is conducted on 80 non-diabetic adult subjects. Measurements and assessments of the relationship between obesity indices and Adipo-IR values were performed.

Waist circumference (r = 0.275, p = 0.013), BMI (r = 0.318, p = 0.004), visceral fat (r = 0.334, p = 0.002), and body fat percentage (r = 0.246, p = 0.028) were all significantly correlated with Adipo-IR. The area under the curve (AUC) showed that visceral fat had the most significant predictive value of insulin resistance in adipose tissue compared to BMI, waist circumference, and body fat (AUC = 0.690 vs 0.663 vs 0.620 vs 0.570). Subjects with visceral fat values in the fourth quartile had a 6-fold risk of experiencing insulin resistance in adipose tissue compared to subjects in quartile 1 (OR = 6, p = 0.014, 95% CI 1.324-27.191).

The Adipo-IR index increases with the value of the obesity index. Visceral fat has the highest predictive value in determining the occurrence of adipose tissue insulin resistance.