Which demographic is most likely to experience decreased insulin sensitivity related to obesity?

The demographic most likely to experience decreased insulin sensitivity related to obesity is older adults. As individuals age, various physiological changes occur, which can impact insulin sensitivity. These changes include alterations in body composition, such as increased fat mass and decreased lean muscle mass, which can lead to a greater degree of insulin resistance. Additionally, older adults often have a higher prevalence of comorbid conditions such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, which can further exacerbate insulin resistance.

Furthermore, older adults may also have a decline in pancreatic beta-cell function, which impairs their ability to secrete insulin effectively in response to glucose. This decreased ability to manage blood sugar levels is compounded by the presence of obesity, making older adults particularly susceptible to conditions like type 2 diabetes.

In contrast, while children, teenagers, and young adults under 30 can also experience insulin sensitivity issues related to obesity, the prevalence and severity tend to be less pronounced in those younger populations. In these groups, the body often has a greater capacity for metabolic adaptation, and the mechanisms driving insulin sensitivity can differ from those observed in aging adults.