Exercise helps women with obesity improve insulin sensitivity and lose some fat, but not belly fat inside organs
Effect of exercise training on insulin sensitivity, hyperinsulinemia and ectopic fat in black South African women: a randomized controlled trial.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
A 12-week exercise program helped black South African women with obesity breathe better, use insulin more efficiently, and lose a little fat from their hips. But the fat inside their liver, muscles, and pancreas didn’t change. The improvements in insulin didn’t come from losing that deep fat.
Surprising Findings
Exercise improved insulin sensitivity without reducing ectopic fat
Most people assume that improving insulin sensitivity requires reducing fat stored in organs like the liver and muscles. But this study found no association between changes in insulin sensitivity and changes in ectopic fat.
Practical Takeaways
Focus on consistent aerobic and resistance exercise — even if your belly fat doesn’t budge — to improve insulin sensitivity and heart health.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
A 12-week exercise program helped black South African women with obesity breathe better, use insulin more efficiently, and lose a little fat from their hips. But the fat inside their liver, muscles, and pancreas didn’t change. The improvements in insulin didn’t come from losing that deep fat.
Surprising Findings
Exercise improved insulin sensitivity without reducing ectopic fat
Most people assume that improving insulin sensitivity requires reducing fat stored in organs like the liver and muscles. But this study found no association between changes in insulin sensitivity and changes in ectopic fat.
Practical Takeaways
Focus on consistent aerobic and resistance exercise — even if your belly fat doesn’t budge — to improve insulin sensitivity and heart health.
Publication
Journal
European journal of endocrinology
Year
2020
Authors
Melony C. Fortuin-de Smidt, A. Mendham, J. Hauksson, O. Hakim, D. Stefanovski, L. Clamp, Lindokuhle Phiri, J. Swart, L. Goff, L. Micklesfield, S. Kahn, T. Olsson, J. Goedecke
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Claims (6)
Doing regular exercise for 12 weeks helped improve heart and lung fitness in obese black South African women, as measured by their ability to use oxygen during exercise. This finding is from the abstract summary - full study details were not available
After exercising regularly for 12 weeks, the women's bodies became better at using insulin to manage blood sugar levels. This finding is from the abstract summary - full study details were not available
Regular exercise helped reduce fat around the hips and thighs in obese black South African women. This finding is from the abstract summary - full study details were not available
The exercise program didn't affect fat stored in organs like the liver or muscles in these women. This finding is from the abstract summary - full study details were not available
The improvements in how the body uses insulin didn't relate to changes in fat stored in organs or specific body areas. This finding is from the abstract summary - full study details were not available