Insulin resistance is when the body no longer responds effectively to insulin. A situation that can slow down weight loss.
Produced by the pancreas, insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose levels (sugar levels) in the blood. In case of insulin resistance, also called “insulin resistance”, glucose will not enter the cell well because insulin is not doing its job properly. The quantity of insulin secreted by the pancreas is normal but its action is deficient. As a result, sugar is found in excess in the blood, which leads to an accumulation of fat in the abdominal area. “It is one of the major pathophysiological components of type 2 diabetes linked to overweight. In type 2 diabetes, there are generally two phases: the one where insulin resistance is predominant and the one where insulin secretion goes begin to be more marked, in deficit” notes Dr Olivier Dupuy, Head of the endocrinology, diabetology and nutrition department at Paris Saint-Joseph hospital.
This phenomenon is linked to poor lifestyle (consumption of products that are too fatty and too sweet, sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure). Insulin resistance can, in an extremely simple way, be detected by measuring the waist circumference using a sewing tape measure. This criterion varies depending on the ethnic group. “Caucasians and Africans naturally tend to have higher waist circumferences than Asians. Increased waist circumference is one of the pillars of the so-called metabolic syndrome, characterized by low blood pressure abnormal, hypocholesterolemia and high trylglyceride levels”explains Dr Olivier Dupuy.
“The absolute lethal weapon” To lose weight with insulin resistance, it’s physical activity. “This will make it possible to improve the use of metabolites, the energy balance between carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. At the same time, we will be more sensitive to insulin since physical activity will optimize the pancreatic synthesis of insulin, the pancreas being more functional when blood sugar is lower (less glucotoxicity)”informs the endocrinologist. It is therefore essential to resume or start physical activity. An antidiabetic medication can also be prescribed against insulin resistance: metformin. It promotes weight loss but can only be prescribed in cases of diabetes.
In terms of diet, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of carbohydrates and fats while favoring vegetables and proteins. But we do not eliminate any food: “All foods are useful, what matters are the proportions. Large-scale studies have highlighted the fact that it is more effective to reduce starchy foods than to reduce fats. We do not all have the same enzymatic equipment, certain microbiota make it possible to have a diet rich in carbohydrates while others are not capable of responding to even a modest request for rapidly absorbed carbohydrates (like a glass of fruit juice for example)”comments Dr Olivier Dupuy. Ultimately, we listen to our body to best adapt to its needs without creating frustration.