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. 2015;8(2):147-55.
doi: 10.1159/000381224.

Fatty Acids, Obesity and Insulin Resistance

Peter Arner, Mikael Rydén

Fatty Acids, Obesity and Insulin Resistance

Peter Arner et al. Obes Facts. 2015.

Abstract

Objective: Although elevated free fatty acid (FFA) levels in obesity have been considered to be of importance for insulin resistance, a recent meta-analysis suggested normal FFA levels in obese subjects. We investigated fasting circulating FFA and glycerol levels in a large cohort of non-obese and obese subjects.

Methods: Subjects recruited for a study on obesity genetics were investigated in the morning after an overnight fast (n = 3,888). Serum FFA (n = 3,306), plasma glycerol (n = 3,776), and insulin sensitivity index (HOMA-IR,n = 3,469) were determined. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 and insulin resistance as HOMA-IR ≥ 2.21.

Results: In obese subjects, circulating FFA and glycerol levels were higher than in non-obese individuals (by 26% and 47%, respectively; both p < 0.0001). Similar results were obtained if only men, women or medication-free subjects were investigated. Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes were associated with a further minor increase in FFA/glycerol among obese subjects. When comparing insulin-sensitive non-obese with insulin-sensitive or -resistant obese individuals, FFA and glycerol were 21–29% and 43–49% higher in obese individuals, respectively.

Conclusion: Circulating FFA and glycerol levels are markedly elevated in obesity but only marginally influenced by insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Whether these differences persist during diurnal variations in circulating FFA/glycerol, remains to be established

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Fasting serum FFA levels. A is distribution of values. B is findings in women. C is findings in men. D is findings in healthy men and women put together. Values were compared by unpaired t-test.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Fasting plasma glycerol levels. See text to figure 1 for further details.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Fasting serum FFA (A) and plasma glycerol (B) in non-obese or obese subjects with or without insulin resistance. INSO = Insulin sensitive non-obese; IRNO = insulin resistant non-obese; ISO =insulin sensitive obese; IRO = insulin resistant obese. Values were compared by ANCOVA (p < 0.0001) and Fishers PLSD post-hoc test (values in graphs). Letters (A-C) denote statistically significant differences between groups.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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