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Abstract #0739

Differences in Insulin Sensitivity & Adipose Tissue Distribution in Obese Subjects Is there a Benign Form of Adiposity?

Jrgen Machann1, Norbert Stefan2, Nina Schwenzer1, Fabian Springer1, Hans-Ulrich Hring2, Claus Claussen3, Andreas Fritsche2, Fritz Schick1

1Section on Experimental Radiology, University Hospital Tbingen, Tbingen, Germany; 2Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Tbingen, Tbingen, Germany; 3Department for Diagnostic & Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tbingen, Tbingen, Germany


Obesity is defined by a body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m. However, recent data show that obese subjects with comparable BMI may strongly differ in metabolic parameters as insulin sensitivity. This study presents cross-sectional data from 144 obese volunteers separated by the median of insulin sensitivity. Adipose tissue compartments as determined by T1-weighted whole-body MRI and ectopic lipids in liver and skeletal muscle are compared. Insulin resistant obese subjects are characterized by higher VAT, hepatic lipids and IMCL in tibialis anterior whereas insulin sensitive subjects have more adipose tissue in lower extremities. These results indicate a kind of benign adiposity.

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