Chronic inflammation from obesity may contribute to which metabolic change?

Chronic inflammation associated with obesity leads to a range of metabolic disturbances, one of the most significant being decreased insulin sensitivity. When the body experiences prolonged inflammation, adipose (fat) tissue produces pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can interfere with the insulin signaling pathways. As a result, the effectiveness of insulin in promoting glucose uptake into cells diminishes, leading to insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance means that the body requires more insulin to effectively manage blood sugar levels, resulting in higher insulin levels that can contribute to a cycle of weight gain and metabolic dysfunction. This condition is a key mechanism in the development of type 2 diabetes and can exacerbate issues related to metabolic syndrome.

In contrast, other options like increased insulin sensitivity or enhanced energy utilization would imply beneficial metabolic changes, which are typically not associated with chronic inflammation in the context of obesity. Improved weight loss, similarly, suggests a positive outcome, which is not the case when chronic inflammation is present. Thus, the correct association between chronic inflammation from obesity and metabolic change is a decrease in insulin sensitivity.