How does insulin sensitivity generally change with weight gain?

Insulin sensitivity generally decreases with weight gain due to the impact of excess adipose (fat) tissue on the body's metabolic processes. As body weight increases, particularly with an increase in visceral fat, there is often an elevation in inflammatory markers and changes in hormone signaling. Adipose tissue can secrete a variety of substances, including free fatty acids and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which interfere with insulin action.

This reduced sensitivity means that the body requires more insulin to achieve the same glucose-lowering effect. Over time, this can lead to a cycle of increasing insulin resistance, exacerbating issues such as prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. Therefore, weight management through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes is crucial for improving insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health.