What can be a sign of insulin resistance in terms of body weight?

Insulin resistance is often associated with metabolic changes in the body, and one key sign is abdominal obesity. This form of obesity is characterized by excess fat accumulation around the abdomen and is a strong indicator that the body's cells are not responding effectively to insulin. When insulin is not functioning properly, it can lead to increased fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area, which is linked to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Abdominal obesity can occur even in individuals who may maintain a normal overall body weight; however, the distribution of fat becomes more pronounced around the midsection. The presence of visceral fat, which is the fat stored in the abdominal cavity, is particularly significant because it's metabolically active and can influence insulin sensitivity negatively.

In contrast, options like increased muscle mass and stable body weight are not typically associated with insulin resistance, and weight loss might even indicate improved insulin sensitivity. Therefore, recognizing abdominal obesity is crucial for identifying insulin resistance, making it the correct answer in this context.