Understanding Insulin Resistance and Unexplained Weight Gain

Weight gain is a common problem that happens suddenly does not go away and is not understandable. You might be doing the same things that you have always done. You might be eating the same foods. You might be exercising the same amount. And yet the weight just keeps piling on. This is because of the insulin resistance weight gain problem. This is a problem that millions of adults all over the world are suffering from. In the United States more than one third of adults are suffering from prediabetes which is a condition closely related to insulin resistance weight gain. Yet millions of people are unaware of this problem. This is because when insulin is no longer effective the body goes into fat storage mode resulting in insulin resistance weight gain. In this article we are going to discuss the following topics: what is insulin resistance why does insulin resistance cause unexplained fat gain who is at risk and evidence based ways to improve. So let’s get started.

What Is Insulin Resistance?

How Insulin Normally Works

First off let’s discuss what insulin is. Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas a gland located behind the stomach. The pancreas contains clusters of cells called the islets of Langerhans which contain beta cells that produce insulin. Insulin is released into the bloodstream and works to lower blood sugar levels. Insulin is often called the key that allows glucose to enter the cell. Without insulin glucose cannot enter the cell and stays in the bloodstream. Insulin does more than just lower blood sugar levels. It also promotes glycogen storage, signals muscle growth, regulates fat metabolism and prevents excessive fat breakdown.

The pancreas makes more insulin

The level of insulin stays high

When the level of insulin stays high this is called Hyperinsulinemia.

This is how the weight gain due to insulin resistance begins.

The high levels of insulin send a strong message to the body that says:

Store the energy. Do not burn the energy.

The body then becomes metabolically inflexible which means that the body cannot burn fat efficiently.

How Insulin Resistance Weight Gain Occurs

Insulin Is a Fat Storage Hormone

Insulin is an anabolic hormone which means that insulin is a fat storage hormone.

When the levels of insulin stay high this means that:

• Fat burning is inhibited
• Fat storage is increased
• Excess glucose is converted to fat

You might not be consuming more food calories than you normally consume but the high levels of insulin will still cause you to gain more fat.

This is why the weight gain due to insulin resistance cannot be easily explained.

Blood Sugar Swings Cause Increased Hunger

When you develop insulin resistance this means that your blood sugar levels are unstable.

When you take a meal this is what happens:

• Blood sugar levels are high
• Excess insulin is released
• Blood sugar levels drop
• Hunger increases

This is why you feel like you are going to eat too much especially carbohydrates.

According to research blood glucose swings lead to the production of hunger hormones such as ghrelin.

The end result is cravings and insulin resistance weight gain.

Reduced Fat Burning

When you are metabolically normal you are able to burn carbs and fat.

When you are insulin resistant your body is forced to burn glucose and is unable to burn fat.

It is for this reason that the weight gain experienced due to insulin resistance is not easily understood.

Why Weight Gain Often Occurs Around the Abdomen

The most common type of weight gain experienced due to insulin resistance is the gut.

Visceral fat refers to the fat found around the organs inside the abdomen.

Elevated levels of insulin lead to the storage of abdominal fat.

They also lead to inflammation and the disruption of hormonal balance.

According to scientific research visceral fat has a high correlation with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

When the levels of visceral fat rise the levels of insulin fall. This is a vicious cycle.

Symptoms That Are Usually Linked to Insulin Resistance Weight Gain

This condition has over the years surprised many people. Many people have not been able to identify the early signs of insulin resistance weight gain.

The common symptoms of insulin resistance weight gain include:

• Gradual weight gain around the abdomen.
• Feeling tired after eating.
• Craving for sugar.
• Brain fogginess.
• Increased waist size.

The common physical symptoms include:

Skin tags.

• Darkened skin patches which are referred to as acanthosis nigricans.
• Increased triglycerides.
• Decreased HDL.

If the signs of insulin resistance weight gain are accompanied by unexplained weight gain further medical investigation is recommended.

What Are the Risk Factors That Increase the Probability of Developing the Condition?

What Lifestyle Factors Increase the Probability of Developing the Condition?

Sedentary lifestyle

Consumption of a high amount of refined carbs

Stress

Lack of adequate sleep

Clinical studies have proven that even five nights of restricted sleep can lower insulin sensitivity by up to 25%.

What Medical Conditions Increase the Probability of Developing the Condition?

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Fatty liver disease

Pre diabetic condition

Family history of type 2 diabetes

Lifestyle factors are the main contributors but genetics also play a role.

What Tests Are Done by Medical Specialists to Diagnose the Condition?

If the signs of insulin resistance weight gain are experienced then the condition can be clearly understood through a series of medical tests.

These include the following:

Fasting glucose

Fasting insulin

HbA1c

Lipid profile

HOMA-IR

Fasting glucose levels can be normal for years but high levels of insulin can be a clear indicator of insulin resistance.

The coding of the condition which is usually used by health practitioners includes the following: insulin resistance ICD 10.

Understanding the classification of insulin resistance with the help of ICD 10 classification is a must for the right diagnosis and further treatment.

Evidence Based Insulin Resistance Treatment Options

Reversing the effects of insulin resistance weight gain is possible with the right treatment.

Lifestyle Based Insulin Resistance Treatment

The first and foremost treatment for the management of insulin resistance is lifestyle modification.

According to clinical studies if an individual reduces his body weight by 5 to 10% it increases the levels of insulin sensitivity.

Strength training

Moderate aerobic exercises

Improvement in sleep patterns

Stress levels

Exercises improve the GLUT4 receptors in the muscles. These GLUT4 receptors help in the uptake of glucose without the use of insulin.

This is a direct reversal of the effects of insulin resistance and weight gain.

Medical Insulin Resistance Treatment

If the treatment of lifestyle modification fails to show results, then the medical treatment for the management of insulin resistance involves the following:

Metformin

GLP1 receptor agonists

SGLT2 inhibitors for specific conditions

Metformin helps in the improvement of insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose levels.

Evaluating the right treatment option for the management of insulin resistance is a must.

The Role of Diet for Insulin Resistance

Diet forms the basis for the management of insulin resistance.

Diet for the management of insulin resistance helps in maintaining the levels of blood glucose and reduces the levels of insulin in the body.

Lowering the levels of the glycemic index

Increasing the levels of fibers in the body

Eating the right levels of protein and fats in the body

Lowering the levels of ultra processed foods in the body

Mediterranean diet for the management of insulin resistance is highly supported with the help of research studies.

Research studies have confirmed the benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet for the management of insulin resistance.

This diet for the management of insulin resistance also reduces the levels of inflammation.

Perfection is not the key the key is consistency. When the right diet for the management of insulin resistance is followed for a long period of time it reduces the levels of insulin resistance and weight gain.

Do Insulin Resistance Supplements Help?

Some people may want to try the supplements for the management of insulin resistance.

Some of the supplements for the management of insulin resistance include:

• Berberine
• Magnesium
• Alpha lipoic acid
• Chromium
• Inositol

According to studies berberine helps in the improvement of glucose metabolism in a similar way to metformin.

When there is a deficiency of magnesium there is poor insulin sensitivity.

Insulin resistance supplements should always be taken in addition to a healthy lifestyle which includes a balanced diet and exercise.

Before taking the supplements for the management of insulin resistance it is always recommended to consult a medical practitioner.

Insulin resistance supplements in addition to a healthy lifestyle which includes a balanced diet can help in the treatment of insulin resistance.

Breaking the Cycle of Insulin Resistance Weight Gain

This is the good news:

Your metabolism is flexible.

Your insulin levels can return to normal.

What you can do to help:

Strengthen your muscles 3 to 4 times a week.

Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep.

Cut down on refined carbs.

Get more movement in your life.

Manage stress.

Your insulin levels return to normal.

Your ability to burn fat improves.

Your energy levels return to normal.

And the insulin resistance weight gain reverses.

Long Term Consequences of Insulin Resistance Weight Gain if Left Untreated

If left untreated the levels of insulin resistance and weight gain may result in the following:

Diabetes.

Heart disease.

Fatty liver.

Hypertension.

Chronic Inflammation.

These complications can however be avoided if insulin resistance weight gain is addressed. 

Insulin resistance weight gain is more than just a cosmetic problem it is a metabolic problem. 

Prevention Strategies for a Sustainable Insulin Resistance Weight Gain Free Life

The prevention strategies for insulin resistance weight gain are a series of lifestyle changes that should be prioritized. These are:

A balanced diet for insulin resistance.

Resistance training.

A healthy waist size.

Metabolic screenings.

A structured treatment plan for insulin resistance.

Early detection of insulin resistance using insulin resistance ICD 10 classification.

Consistency over a long period of time is more important than going to the gym for a short period of time. 

Key Takeaways

Weight gain caused by insulin resistance is a result of chronically increased levels of insulin. 

Weight gain caused by insulin resistance is accompanied by abdominal fat gain. 

Unstable levels of blood glucose contribute to increased hunger and cravings. 

Diet for insulin resistance and exercise help manage the condition. 

Supplements for the condition also work well. 

Early diagnosis of the condition using insulin resistance ICD 10 is effective. 

Proper treatment for the condition helps prevent other complications. 

Lastly weight gain caused by insulin resistance is not a reflection of failure on the patient’s part. 

Weight gain caused by insulin resistance is a reflection of the patient’s metabolism. 

Weight gain caused by insulin resistance is something that can be addressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I gaining weight even though I don’t eat much?

You are likely experiencing insulin resistance weight gain. High insulin levels can cause weight gain despite minimal calorie intake. Blood tests can confirm this. 

What is the best diet for insulin resistance?

The best high fiber balanced protein and low glycemic load diet for insulin resistance is the best. Mediterranean diets are highly effective. 

Are insulin resistance supplements effective?

Yes the supplements work well however they need to be combined with the treatment of insulin resistance.

How is insulin resistance diagnosed in medical records?

Physicians use blood tests to ascertain whether a patient is suffering from insulin resistance. Physicians also use insulin resistance ICD 10 to document the condition. 

Can insulin resistance weight gain be reversed?

Yes the condition can be reversed. This is done through a combination of a diet for insulin resistance exercise and the right treatment for insulin resistance.

This content is for educational purposes only and not medical advice. Always consult a doctor