Hormones such as insulin play a key role in storing fat in the body causing weight gain. The National Institutes of Health advises that insulin resistance or decreased sensitivity to this hormone can also make it more difficult to lose excess weight particularly around the abdomen. This condition is linked to diabetes, pre-diabetes and obesity and can be diagnosed by a doctor.
Functions
Insulin is an important metabolic hormone produced by the pancreas that functions to transport glucose from the blood to each cell of the body in order to meet energy requirements. Glucose or sugars from ingested food cannot enter the cells without the assistance of insulin, which acts as a 'key' to allow glucose molecules to pass through outer membranes of cells. Inside the cells, glucose can be used to generate energy. Insulin also stimulates the body cells to convert glucose into fat and then prevents this fat from being released.
Definition
Insulin resistance occurs when the body becomes less sensitive to its own insulin and compensates by producing excess levels of the hormone in order to transport glucose into the cells. An unwanted side effect of high insulin levels is weight gain as fat accumulates in the cells. Higher insulin levels also make it more difficult to lose weight.
Causes
The National Institutes of Health notes that excess weight, obesity and a lack of physical activity can contribute to insulin resistance. In some cases, individuals may also be more genetically prone to developing this condition. Conditions such as excess weight around the waist, high blood pressure or hypertension, abnormal levels of cholesterol and polycystic ovarian syndrome also increase the risk of insulin resistance, high blood glucose and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Diet
Research published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" notes that treatments for insulin resistance to decrease high levels of insulin production and reduce weight gain include diet modification. A diet to help decrease insulin resistance includes low carbohydrates, particularly simple carbohydrates or sugars that cause elevated spikes of insulin release. A low carbohydrate diet reduces processed foods, sweets and white breads and pasta and increases protein, fiber, vegetables and fruit. Insulin resistance diets generally reduce fat intake and help to lower insulin production.
Medications
The National Health Institute notes that prescription medications such as diabetic drugs help to increase insulin sensitivity and also slow the absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract, helping to reduce weight gain. A doctor can prescribe the best treatment and diet for improving insulin sensitivity.
Exercise
Exercise helps to increase insulin sensitivity, which makes this hormone work more efficiently without the need for excess production. Decreased insulin levels result in less weight gain and make it easier to lose weight. A study published in the journal "American Family Physician" recommends 30 minutes of strenuous exercise per day including resistance or weight training. Consult a doctor before beginning an exercise program to decrease insulin resistance.
