Files
Abstract
Obesity is highly prevalent in the United States and is linked to inflammatory diseases such as dyslipidemia and stroke. Increased omega‑3 fatty acid levels are associated with reduced inflammation, and prior studies show that raising omega‑3 intake during weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity in obese individuals. Because weight loss itself may alter plasma fatty acids, this study examined how weight loss induced by a melanocortin‑4 receptor (MC4R) agonist affects plasma fatty acid profiles in obese monkeys. We measured omega‑3, omega‑6, and saturated fatty acids, as well as insulin sensitivity, before weight loss, after MC4R‑induced weight loss, and after weight regain to determine how changes in body weight influence metabolic markers.