Effect of weight loss on muscle lipid content in morbidly obese subjects

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that weight loss results in a reduction in intramuscular lipid (IMCL) content that is concomitant with enhanced insulin action. Muscle biopsies were obtained from morbidly obese individuals [body mass index (BMI) 52.2 ± 2.5 kg/m2; n= 6] before and after gastric bypass surgery, an intervention that improves insulin action. With intervention, there was a 47% reduction ( P < 0.01) in BMI and a 93% decrease in homeostasis model assessment, or HOMA (7.0 ± 1.9 vs. 0.5 ± 0.1). Histochemically determined IMCL content decreased ( P < 0.05) by ∼30%. In relation to fiber type, IMCL was significantly higher in type I vs. type II fibers. In both fiber types, there were reductions in IMCL and trends for muscle atrophy. Despite these two negating factors, the IMCL-to-fiber area ratio still decreased by ∼44% with weight loss. In conclusion, despite differing initial levels and possible atrophy, weight loss appears to decrease IMCL deposition to a similar relative extent in type I and II muscle fibers. This reduction in intramuscular triglyceride may contribute to enhanced insulin action seen with weight loss.