Micronutrients & recovery
Fat cell size (FCS) is the strongest independent determinant of baseline insulin sensitivity in overweight subjects, and its reduction is correlated with improved insulin sensitivity, although it is not an independent predictor of Si improvement after weight loss.
While losing visceral fat is key for improving insulin sensitivity, the health of your subcutaneous fat cells (their size) is a major factor in your baseline metabolic state. Large fat cells are associated with insulin resistance. Weight loss reduces fat cell size, which is part of the mechanism for improved health, though the total amount of fat lost (especially visceral) is the primary driver of the improvement.
At baseline... Si was best explained by FCS (P < 0.01)... The decrease in FCS was correlated with the decrease in weight... The improvement in Si was related to the reduction in percent fat... but it was not related to the change in FCS (P > 0.11)
Why this rating
Strong baseline correlation, but complex multivariate analysis shows it drops out as an independent predictor of change.
Source
Effect of Calorie Restriction With or Without Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity, β-Cell Function, Fat Cell Size, and Ectopic Lipid in Overweight Subjects
D. Enette Larson‐Meyer et al. · Diabetes Care · 2006
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