Get the latest on Wrath of the Lich King on WoW Insider!

Note: The contents of this blog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or substitute for professional care. For medical emergencies, dial 911!

MUFA-rich diet prevents central body fat

Central obesity is associated with insulin resistance through factors that are not fully understood. Researchers studied the effects of three different diets on body fat distribution, insulin sensitivity and peripheral adiponectin gene expression.

Adiponectin is secreted from fat tissue into the blood. The presence of adiponectin can result in improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, and can assist in mobilizing sugar out of the blood The hormone plays a role in the suppression of the metabolic derangements that may result in type 2 diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

The study involved 11 volunteers who were the offspring of obese type 2 diabetic patients with noticeable abdominal fat deposits. The volunteers were considered insulin resistant and they maintained average hemoglobin A1c levels of greater than 6.5% without medication. All subjects underwent three dietary periods of 28 days each in a crossover design: a) diet enriched in saturated fat (SAT), b) diet rich in monounsaturated fat (MUFA; Mediterranean diet) and c) diet rich in carbohydrates (CHO). Weight, body composition and resting energy expenditure remained unchanged during the three dietary periods. However, when patients were fed a CHO-enriched diet their fat mass was redistributed towards their abdominal region and their periphery fat accumulation decreased compared with a diet MUFA-rich and high SAT diets. Changes in fat deposition were associated with decreased levels of adiponectin after meals and lower insulin sensitivity.

The results of this study conclude a diet rich in monounsaturated fat prevents central fat redistribution and a decrease in after meal adiponectin levels. These findings support the belief that a carbohydrate-rich diet in insulin-resistant subjects exacerbates the insulin resistance. The moral of the story is: to enhance insulin sensitivity - look for a diet rich in monounsaturated fats and less dense in carbohydrates. Chances are if you've tinkered around with your food pyramid - you already knew the results of this study.

Reader Comments

(Page 1)
Features
Form and Function (12)
Retro Review (7)
Media
Personalities (38)
Blogs (21)
Books (24)
Products (129)
Services (43)
Magazines (12)
Meet the Bloggers
Bloggers (5)
Diane Rixon (1)
Chris Sparling (1)
Allie Beatty (38)
News
Daily News (180)
Events (63)
Fundraisers (23)
Opinion (114)
Prevention
Diet (366)
Exercise (97)
Lifestyle (512)
Research (465)
Treatment
Care (63)
Complications (37)
Drugs (384)
Support (235)
Types of Diabetes
Adult Onset (517)
Childhood (447)
Type 1 (791)
Type 2 (987)

RESOURCES

RSS NEWSFEEDS

Powered by Blogsmith

Other Weblogs Inc. Network blogs you might be interested in: