Residual abnormalities of insulin secretion and sensitivity after weight loss by obese women
Fletcher, J.M.; McNurlan, M.A.; McHardy, K.C.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 43(8): 539-545
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0954-3007 PMID: 2689160 Document Number: 335053
Changes in plasma insulin and glucose concentrations before and after feeding were measured in 6 women (post-obese) who had regained a normal body mass after a history of severe obesity (mean weight loss 37.1 +or- 2.6 kg). The responses of the post-obese group were compared with a group of weight- and age-matched subjects who had not been obese (lean). After an overnight fast subjects were fed on a meal at 0900 and 1310 h. Fasting and postprandial insulin concentrations were lower in post-obese than in lean subjects. Immediately after beginning to eat at 1310 h all subjects showed a rise in insulin concentration with no change in glucose concentration. In this pre-absorptive period there was no significant difference in insulin concentration between post-obese and lean subjects, although the increment in insulin concentration over baseline values was significantly greater in post-obese subjects. It is concluded that abnormalities of insulin secretion and action remain after weight loss by obese subjects. These abnormalities may predispose to hyperphagia and accumulation of excess adiposity.