Association of adiposity assessed by means of near-infrared interactance with the beta-cell function, insulin resistance and leptin concentrations in non-obese subjects. Exploratory study.

The objective was to identify the association of adiposity with the beta-cell function, insulin resistance and leptin concentrations in non-obese subjects. Twenty-eight healthy, non-obese volunteers were recruited, 14 male and 14 female. Body mass index (BMI) and waist hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. Blood pressure was measured. Adiposity was estimated by means of near-infrared (NIR) interactance method predicting the percentage of body fat (% BF). All subjects were divided into adipose and non-adipose individuals. Serum glucose, insulin and leptin levels were measured. Formulas of the homeostasis model analysis were used to assess the insulin resistance and the beta-cell function. Clinical characteristics and laboratory profile were similar between both groups. There were no significant differences between both groups in beta-cell function, insulin resistance and leptin concentrations. There was a positive significant correlation of % BF with BMI in women (r= .82, P< .001) and in men (r= .85, P< .001). Adiposity was not associated with the beta-cell function, insulin resistance and leptin concentrations in non-obese subjects, and only percent body fat was positive correlated with BMI.