Timnath Health Hub

Gaining weight doesn't automatically mean insulin resistance is increasing, and losing weight doesn't mean it's reducing. Where and how fat is stored is the key factor.

It's not the fat under your skin you see. Insulin resistance starts when fat cells beneath your skin enlarge, outgrow their supply, get damaged, and become inflamed. This is the key.

Having more fat cells isn't always a bad thing. Your body can safely manage excess calories by storing them in new fat cells, which are healthier than overfilling old ones. This is especially true for premenopausal women.

Considering liposuction or CoolSculpting? If your goal is purely cosmetic, it's a personal choice. However, if your aim is health—reducing insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart issues—these procedures don't address the root cause.

Considering body contouring? Liposuction can yield up to 5kg of fat loss, though it's not immediate. CoolSculpting results are often less significant and not instant either. Understand the actual fat loss potential before deciding.

When fat cells can't handle insulin resistance, they break down, releasing free fatty acids into your bloodstream. These acids then get stored in unexpected places like your organs, muscles, liver, pancreas, and even around your heart. This 'ectopic fat' can cause serious issues.

Procedures like liposuction alter appearance but do little for the root cause of illness. When insulin levels rise, fat cells swell, eventually becoming damaged and inflamed. This inflammation leads to insulin resistance, starting in the fat cells under your skin. The real culprits for health problems are visceral and ectopic fat, not the subcutaneous fat itself. Understanding this process is key to addressing the underlying disease.

Not all women with PCOS will show multiple cysts on an ultrasound. The diagnosis can still be made with other criteria. Regular periods don't rule out PCOS either.

Elevated cortisol, the stress hormone, leads to increased insulin, inflammation, and insulin resistance. It also directly opposes insulin and causes visceral fat storage, impacting overall health and potentially leading to issues like low testosterone.