Insulin Resistance and Weight: What to Test, What to Do
If you gain weight easily and lose it slowly, insulin resistance is one of the first things to check.
What insulin resistance is
Insulin resistance means the body needs more insulin than normal to move glucose out of the bloodstream. The pancreas compensates by producing more, and the elevated insulin promotes fat storage, especially around the abdomen. Over years, the pancreas cannot keep up and blood glucose rises — the pathway to type 2 diabetes.
How it is measured
Fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin, and the derived HOMA-IR (glucose × insulin / 405) are our first-line markers. A HOMA-IR above 2.0 suggests insulin resistance; above 2.5 is significant. Waist circumference above 88 cm (women) or 102 cm (men) is a clinical marker with good correlation.
What actually reverses it
7–10% weight loss, achieved by any effective method.
Resistance training (skeletal muscle is the largest glucose sink).
Reducing refined carbohydrate and ultra-processed food.
Adequate sleep (< 6 h is strongly insulin-resistogenic).
Metformin or GLP-1 therapy when clinically indicated.
Get tested and treated
Ready to take the next step? Book a weight management initial consultation at CurAge Santé, or explore all options on our Weight Management services page.
Frequently asked questions
Can insulin resistance be reversed?+
Yes, in most patients with sustained weight loss and lifestyle change, particularly early in the disease course.