Which hormone related to metabolism is typically low in overweight individuals?

The hormone typically low in overweight individuals is adiponectin. Adiponectin is produced by adipose tissue and plays a key role in regulating glucose levels as well as fatty acid breakdown. It is known to have anti-inflammatory effects and helps to improve insulin sensitivity, which can be impaired in individuals with excess body fat.

In overweight individuals, fatty tissue tends to increase, but adiponectin levels paradoxically decrease. The reduction in adiponectin levels is associated with various metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, other hormones like leptin often increase in overweight individuals due to higher fat stores, but they do not provide the protective metabolic benefits associated with higher adiponectin levels.

For a thorough understanding, it’s important to recognize how adiponectin works in the body and how its deficiency in overweight individuals can contribute to a cycle of metabolic dysfunction.