OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of weight loss in response to a lifestyle modification program on the circulating levels of adipose tissue derived cytokines (adipokines) in obese individuals with insulin resistance.

DISCUSSION: Weight reduction in obese individuals with insulin resistance was associated with a significant decrease in leptin and IL-6 and a tendency toward a decrease in circulating TNF-alpha, whereas adiponectin was increased only in diabetic subjects. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between changes of adipokines and the health benefits of weight loss.