Identification and characterization of metabolically benign obesity in humans
Background Obesity represents a risk factor for insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus,
and atherosclerosis. In addition, for any given amount of total body fat, an excess of visceral
fat or fat accumulation in the liver and skeletal muscle augments the risk. Conversely, even
in obesity, a metabolically benign fat distribution phenotype may exist. Methods In 314
subjects, we measured total body, visceral, and subcutaneous fat with magnetic resonance
(MR) tomography and fat in the liver and skeletal muscle with proton MR spectroscopy …
and atherosclerosis. In addition, for any given amount of total body fat, an excess of visceral
fat or fat accumulation in the liver and skeletal muscle augments the risk. Conversely, even
in obesity, a metabolically benign fat distribution phenotype may exist. Methods In 314
subjects, we measured total body, visceral, and subcutaneous fat with magnetic resonance
(MR) tomography and fat in the liver and skeletal muscle with proton MR spectroscopy …