Endocrine Abstracts

Adipose inflammation is increasingly percieved to be a major factor in the pathogenesis of obesity associated insulin resistance. However, human evidence supporting this hypothesis remains largely unconvincing. An alternative model is suggested by observations made in patients with rare forms of lipodystrophy; namely that a relative inability to cope with sustained surplus energy intake underpins insulin resistaance. Recent data suggesting that subtle forms of lipodystrophy are much more prevalent than previously appreciated will be presented and discussed.