11.   In any case, the body tries to overcome insulin resistance by producing higher and higher levels of the hormone, which is made in the pancreas.

12.   In the vast majority of cases, obesity appears to lead to the insulin resistance.

13.   Insulin resistance is the inability of the body to process carbohydrates properly, turning the sugars into fat and sending out an insistent demand for more carbohydrates.

14.   Insulin resistance itself, even without high blood sugar, is already associated with abnormal blood fats, high blood pressure and heart disease.

15.   Insulin resistance is also associated with high blood levels of triglycerides and low levels of protective HDL-cholesterol, which increases their risk of a heart attack.

16.   Insulin resistance is often associated with obesity but researchers are not sure whether obesity causes insulin resistance, or vice versa.

17.   Insulin resistance often leads to Type II diabetes.

18.   Obesity, especially abdominal fat, is regarded as an independent risk factor for insulin resistance, as well as for diabetes and heart disease.

19.   Over time, this can lead to obesity and insulin resistance, which in turn are risk factors for diabetes and heart disease.

20.   Rather, experts say, obesity causes insulin resistance.