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Understanding the Obesity Paradox in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

  • Diabetes + Insulin Resistance (M Rutter, Section Editor)
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Abstract

The term “obesity paradox” corresponds to the research observation that overweight or obese patients may counterintuitively have a survival benefit once a disease is established. This appears also true in type 2 diabetes mellitus, where it has been shown that being overweight or obese is associated with better survival. The reasons behind this paradox remain unclear but likely derive from an intricate relationship between insulin resistance, fat storage, and inflammatory responses in type 2 diabetes. In this review, we look at what the potential mechanisms may be underlying this paradox.

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The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by the author.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Academic Cardiology Unit, Hull York Medical School, Castle Hill Hospital, University of Hull, Cottingham, UK

    P. Costanzo

  2. Weill Cornell Medical College, Qatar Foundation, Education City, PO Box 24144, Doha, Qatar

    S. L. Atkin

  3. York NHS Teaching Hospitals, York, UK

    D. Lai

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  1. P. Costanzo
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  2. D. Lai
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Correspondence to S. L. Atkin.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Diabetes + Insulin Resistance

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Costanzo, P., Lai, D. & Atkin, S.L. Understanding the Obesity Paradox in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Curr Cardiovasc Risk Rep 9, 32 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-015-0461-6

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