Hyperinsulinemia: a Cause of Obesity?

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This perspective is motivated by the need to question dogma that does not work: that the problem is insulin resistance (IR). We highlight the need to investigate potential environmental obesogens and toxins.

Recent Findings

The prequel to severe metabolic disease includes three interacting components that are abnormal: (a) IR, (b) elevated lipids and (c) elevated basal insulin (HI). HI is more common than IR and is a significant independent predictor of diabetes.

Summary

We hypothesize that (1) the initiating defect is HI that increases nutrient consumption and hyperlipidemia (HL); (2) the cause of HI may include food additives, environmental obesogens or toxins that have entered our food supply since 1980; and (3) HI is sustained by HL derived from increased adipose mass and leads to IR. We suggest that HI and HL are early indicators of metabolic dysfunction and treating and reversing these abnormalities may prevent the development of more serious metabolic disease.

Full text: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13679-017-0261-z

Hi Graham,
One needs to question sources of marine protein and oils. Recently a Killer Whale was found dead and it had a large quantity of PCB in its tissue. This toxin when burned produces dioxin and gets laid down in body fat when ingested (I was exposed to PCB in my career as a broadcast engineer).  It is no longer used in electrical components but has been taken up by the marine food chain.
regards
Derek