Chronic inflammation in fat plays a crucial role in obesity-related insulin resistance.

This article points out that there is increasing evidence establishing correlative as well as causative links between chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. The data suggest that macrophages in white adipose tissue play an active role in morbid obesity and that macrophage-related inflammatory activities may contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity-induced insulin resistance. In conclusion, it is proposed that obesity-related insulin resistance is in part a chronic inflammatory disease initiated in adipose tissue.