Impact of weight loss-associated changes in detailed body composition as assessed by whole-body MRI on plasma insulin levels and homeostatis model assessment index.

Background/objectives: We assessed the effect of weight loss-associated changes in detailed body composition on plasma insulin levels and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index to calculate the magnitude of reduction in different adipose tissue depots required to improve insulin sensitivity.

Subjects/methods: A total of 50 subjects aged 20-69 years were studied. The participants were compiled from low-calorie diet interventions and bariatric surgery and differed in their baseline body mass index (BMI; range 21.6-54.4 kg/m) and degree of weight losses (range -3.3 to -56.9 kg). Detailed body composition and liver fat were measured using whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Insulin resistance was assessed by HOMA.

Results: Mean body weight decreased by -16.0±13.6 kg. Significant changes were observed in total adipose tissue (TAT, range -0.5 to -36.0 kg), total subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), skeletal muscle, liver fat, plasma insulin levels and HOMA. Decreases in insulin and HOMA were correlated with reductions in TAT, SAT, VAT (just with HOMA) and liver fat. Losses of 2.9 and 6.5 kg body weight, 2.0 and 5.0 kg TAT as well as 1.6 and 6% liver fat were required to decrease plasma insulin levels by 1 μU/ml and HOMA by 1 point. Multiple regression analysis showed that baseline liver fat and changes in liver fat explained 49.7% and 55.1% of the variance in weight loss-associated changes in plasma insulin and HOMA, respectively.

Conclusions: Decreases of adipose tissues and liver fat are the major determinants of reduction in plasma insulin levels and improvement in HOMA index.