Association between insulin sensitivity and lean mass loss during weight loss.

Plain Language Summary

The role of insulin (a hormone that helps control blood sugar) in the loss of fat during weight loss has been extensively studied, however less is known about the role of insulin in the loss of muscle and other non-fat tissue during weight loss. This secondary analysis of a 16-week randomised control trial aimed to determine how insulin sensitivity relates to changes in lean mass during weight loss. A total of 57 participants with an average body mass index (BMI) of 32.1 kg/m² were randomly assigned to follow either a standard diet or a moderately reduced carbohydrate diet for 16 weeks. The researchers measured body composition using a technique called dual-energy x-ray absorpitometry and assessed insulin sensitivity through an intravenous glucose tolerance test.

The results showed that participants lost an average of 6.8 kg of body weight, and suggested a connection between insulin sensitivity and lean mass changes during weight loss. Individuals with higher insulin sensitivity lost less lean mass.

It was concluded that insulin sensitivity is a predictor of changes in lean mass during weight loss. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that individuals with lower insulin sensitivity prior to weight loss therapy may require additional measures to minimise lean mass loss.