What effect can obesity have on hormone levels?

Obesity significantly impacts hormone levels, particularly insulin sensitivity. In individuals with obesity, adipose tissue secretes various hormones and inflammatory mediators that can lead to a state of insulin resistance. This occurs because excess fat, especially visceral fat, can interfere with the body's ability to respond to insulin, which is the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. When insulin sensitivity decreases, it can lead to elevated blood glucose levels and may eventually result in type 2 diabetes.

Metabolic changes in obesity also include alterations in other hormones, such as increased levels of leptin (which is produced by fat cells and regulates hunger and metabolism) and decreased levels of adiponectin (which protects against insulin resistance). Therefore, recognizing that obesity decreases insulin sensitivity is pivotal in understanding how it contributes to metabolic disorders and diabetes management.