What hormone is primarily affected by obesity?

• A. Testosterone
• B. Estrogen
• C. Insulin
• D. Cortisol

Answer: (C)

C is the correct answer because obesity significantly influences insulin levels and regulation. In individuals with obesity, the body often develops a resistance to insulin, which is a key hormone involved in glucose metabolism and energy regulation. When the body becomes resistant to insulin, it requires higher levels of the hormone to maintain normal blood glucose levels, leading to a situation known as hyperinsulinemia.

Additionally, obesity can result in changes to adipose tissue that produce inflammatory cytokines, further exacerbating insulin resistance. This relationship between obesity and insulin highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy weight to ensure proper insulin function and overall metabolic health. Therefore, the impact of obesity on insulin is particularly significant in the context of hormonal regulation.