What effect does insulin resistance have on fat storage in the body?

Insulin resistance contributes to increased fat storage in the body because it hinders the normal action of insulin, a hormone that helps regulate glucose and fat metabolism. When cells become resistant to insulin, they do not respond effectively to its signaling, leading to elevated levels of insulin in the bloodstream. High insulin levels promote lipogenesis, which is the process of converting excess glucose into fat for storage, particularly in adipose tissue.

As insulin resistance progresses, the body's ability to clear glucose from the bloodstream diminishes, causing further increases in insulin levels. This cycle exacerbates fat storage, as the body prioritizes storing energy as fat rather than using it effectively. Additionally, insulin resistance can lead to increased levels of free fatty acids in the bloodstream, which can also be further converted into stored fat. Thus, the overall effect of insulin resistance is an increase in fat storage rather than a reduction or no effect at all.