Hormonal
Obese individuals with high insulin sensitivity (Metabolically Healthy Obese, MHO) exhibit significantly lower levels of inflammatory markers, specifically C-reactive protein (CRP) and alpha-1 antitrypsin, compared to obese individuals with insulin resistance, suggesting that low-grade inflammation is a key differentiator of metabolic health in obesity.
For obese individuals, focusing solely on weight loss may miss critical metabolic health indicators. Assessing insulin sensitivity and inflammation (via CRP) is crucial, as some individuals with high body fat maintain low inflammation and high insulin sensitivity, protecting them from cardiovascular risk. This suggests that metabolic health is distinct from adiposity.
Results of the present study indicate that postmenopausal women displaying the MHO phenotype also have a favorable inflammation profile as shown by lower CRP and alpha-1 antitrypsin levels compared with insulin-resistant women.
Why this rating
Gold-standard measurement (hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp) used, but the study is cross-sectional and limited to a specific demographic (sedentary postmenopausal women).
Source
The Metabolically Healthy but Obese Individual Presents a Favorable Inflammation Profile
Antony D. Karelis et al. · The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2005
DOI 10.1210/jc.2005-0482
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