Reported October 12, 2008

Insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes, a disease expected to reach epidemic levels throughout the world over the next few decades.

Diabetes is associated with obesity, inappropriate diet and exercise choices, and is now affecting younger people.

A new study from Brazil examined 40 obese adolescents with a mean age of 16.6 years.

Researchers evaluated their dietary intake, body composition, and tested insulin resistance with measurements of blood glucose, insulin, lipids, leptin, and ghrelin.

Over 40% of the obese teenagers had high insulin levels, and over 57% of them showed insulin resistance.

While the teenagers' insulin resistance was positively associated with body trunk fat (also called belly fat or abdominal fat), body mass index (BMI), and overall body fat percentage, the researchers concluded that their body trunk fat or abdominal fat was significantly associated with the teen's insulin resistance (Santos L, Sao Paolo Medical Journal, March 2008).

With insulin resistance, cells throughout the body do not respond to insulin. This forces the pancreas to produce excess insulin which can lead to diabetes, a deadly disease.

In addition, the body becomes unable to effectively control blood sugar which can lead to psychological disturbances and distort appetite control. The earlier these metabolic malfunctions start, the harder it is for individuals to improve their lives.

Especially during the formative teenage years, young women with belly fat may experience greater physical and social challenges. Young men with belly fat may opt out of sports, or acquire high-calorie dietary choices, losing the opportunity to develop lifetime healthy habits.

The sooner teens are educated to adopt healthy diet and exercise lifestyle habits that avoid abdominal fat, the easier their lives will become for themselves and for society.