[Effect of weight loss on adipose tissue distribution and insulin sensitivity].

Objective: To discuss the effect of weight reduction on fat distribution and parameters of insulin sensitivity.

Methods: 12 Caucasian women with simple obesity, aged 21 to 65 years, were treated by low caloric and high protein diet for four weeks. A series of examinations were taken before and after the treat, using computerized tomography for visceral and subcutaneous fat, using euglycemic insulin clamp for parameters of insulin sensitivity.

Results: Weight loss was (6 +/- 2) kg (2-11 kg). body mass index (BMI), waist, total fat, visceral fat, and subcutaneous fat reduced significantly. However waist-hip rate, visceral-total fat rate, and subcutaneous-total fat rate did not change significantly. Fasting serum insulin, and fasting insulin-glucose rate decreased significantly. Insulin metabolic clearance rate and, insulin sensitive index increased significantly. Fasting peptide C did not change significantly.

Conclusions: The low caloric and high protein diet can reduce visceral and subcutaneous fat. Weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity and increase insulin metabolic clearance rate.