Resistin
Resistin
Resistin is a hormone secreted by fat cells that plays a role in insulin resistance and inflammation.
Resistin is a hormone secreted by fat cells that plays a role in insulin resistance and inflammation.
Resistin
Normal range
Normal range
2.85-11.6 ng/mL
2.85-11.6 ng/mL
Normal range
2.85-11.6 ng/mL
2.85-11.6 ng/mL
Normal range
Resistin
Resistin
Resistin is a hormone secreted by fat cells that plays a role in insulin resistance and inflammation.
Resistin
Normal range
2.85-11.6 ng/mL
Normal range
2.85-11.6 ng/mL
2.85-11.6 ng/mL
Normal range
Resistin
Resistin
Resistin is a hormone secreted by fat cells that plays a role in insulin resistance and inflammation.
Resistin
Normal range
2.85-11.6 ng/mL
Normal range
2.85-11.6 ng/mL
2.85-11.6 ng/mL
Normal range
Resistin
Dr. Yiannis Balanos
MBBS MRCGP
Your Body's Inflammatory Troublemaker
Your Body's Inflammatory Troublemaker
Resistin is a hormone secreted primarily by fat cells and immune cells that acts as a driver of insulin resistance and inflammation. Discovered in 2001, this relatively new player in metabolic health has gained recognition as a link between obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Higher levels promote insulin resistance, increase inflammation throughout your body, and contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Resistin levels typically rise with increasing body fat. Understanding resistin levels provides an insight into your overall metabolic health.
Resistin is a hormone secreted primarily by fat cells and immune cells that acts as a driver of insulin resistance and inflammation. Discovered in 2001, this relatively new player in metabolic health has gained recognition as a link between obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Higher levels promote insulin resistance, increase inflammation throughout your body, and contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Resistin levels typically rise with increasing body fat. Understanding resistin levels provides an insight into your overall metabolic health.
When Resistin Levels Rise
When Resistin Levels Rise
When Resistin Levels Rise
Discover how elevated resistin creates a cascade of insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and accelerated cardiovascular disease risk.
Read more
What Drives Resistin Production?
What Drives Resistin Production?
What Drives Resistin Production?
From excess body fat to chronic stress, understand the factors that increase your body's production of this inflammatory hormone.
Read more
Lowering Resistin Naturally
Lowering Resistin Naturally
Lowering Resistin Naturally
Learn evidence-based strategies to reduce resistin levels.
Read more
Understanding Your Results
Understanding Your Results
Understanding Your Results
Understand your resistin numbers and discover what they reveal about your inflammatory status and metabolic disease risk.
Read more
When Resistin Levels Rise
Elevated resistin levels create conditions for metabolic dysfunction. When resistin rises, it directly interferes with insulin's ability to move glucose into cells, forcing your pancreas to produce more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. This interaction can lead to insulin resistance, the hallmark of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Resistin also activates inflammatory pathways throughout your body, increasing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and interleukin-6. This chronic low-grade inflammation can also affect blood vessels which contributes to cardiovascular risk.
Significantly high resistin levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction, where the inner lining of blood vessels loses its ability to regulate blood flow properly. This vascular damage can be an early warning for cardiovascular risk.
People with higher circulating resistin typically have greater abdominal fat, higher triglycerides, lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and higher blood pressure—all key features of metabolic syndrome. Research shows that individuals with the highest resistin levels have up to two times higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and a higher risk of future cardiovascular events.
When Resistin Levels Rise
Elevated resistin levels create conditions for metabolic dysfunction. When resistin rises, it directly interferes with insulin's ability to move glucose into cells, forcing your pancreas to produce more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. This interaction can lead to insulin resistance, the hallmark of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Resistin also activates inflammatory pathways throughout your body, increasing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and interleukin-6. This chronic low-grade inflammation can also affect blood vessels which contributes to cardiovascular risk.
Significantly high resistin levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction, where the inner lining of blood vessels loses its ability to regulate blood flow properly. This vascular damage can be an early warning for cardiovascular risk.
People with higher circulating resistin typically have greater abdominal fat, higher triglycerides, lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and higher blood pressure—all key features of metabolic syndrome. Research shows that individuals with the highest resistin levels have up to two times higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and a higher risk of future cardiovascular events.
When Resistin Levels Rise
Elevated resistin levels create conditions for metabolic dysfunction. When resistin rises, it directly interferes with insulin's ability to move glucose into cells, forcing your pancreas to produce more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. This interaction can lead to insulin resistance, the hallmark of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Resistin also activates inflammatory pathways throughout your body, increasing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and interleukin-6. This chronic low-grade inflammation can also affect blood vessels which contributes to cardiovascular risk.
Significantly high resistin levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction, where the inner lining of blood vessels loses its ability to regulate blood flow properly. This vascular damage can be an early warning for cardiovascular risk.
People with higher circulating resistin typically have greater abdominal fat, higher triglycerides, lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and higher blood pressure—all key features of metabolic syndrome. Research shows that individuals with the highest resistin levels have up to two times higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and a higher risk of future cardiovascular events.
What Drives Resistin Production?
Excess body fat, particularly visceral adipose tissue around your organs, is the primary driver of resistin production. Unlike subcutaneous fat under your skin, visceral fat is metabolically active and produces large amounts of resistin and other inflammatory substances.
Chronic inflammation from any source can increase resistin levels. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other autoimmune conditions can elevate resistin production through immune cell activation.
Diet plays a role in resistin regulation. Diets high in refined carbohydrates, processed foods, and trans fats promote resistin production through multiple mechanisms. High sugar intake directly stimulates resistin release from fat cells whilst also promoting the accumulation of visceral fat that produces more resistin.
Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep duration can raise resistin. This occurs through disruption of hormonal regulation and increased inflammatory signalling. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels promote resistin production both directly and indirectly. Cortisol stimulates resistin release from fat cells whilst also promoting visceral fat accumulation.
Age influences resistin production, with levels typically increasing with advancing age due to changes in body composition, increased inflammation, and hormonal shifts. Menopause in women can accelerate resistin increases due to oestrogen decline and associated metabolic changes.
Certain genetic variations affect resistin production and sensitivity, though lifestyle factors typically have a much greater influence on levels. Some medications, particularly corticosteroids and certain antipsychotics, can increase resistin production as a side effect.
What Drives Resistin Production?
Excess body fat, particularly visceral adipose tissue around your organs, is the primary driver of resistin production. Unlike subcutaneous fat under your skin, visceral fat is metabolically active and produces large amounts of resistin and other inflammatory substances.
Chronic inflammation from any source can increase resistin levels. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other autoimmune conditions can elevate resistin production through immune cell activation.
Diet plays a role in resistin regulation. Diets high in refined carbohydrates, processed foods, and trans fats promote resistin production through multiple mechanisms. High sugar intake directly stimulates resistin release from fat cells whilst also promoting the accumulation of visceral fat that produces more resistin.
Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep duration can raise resistin. This occurs through disruption of hormonal regulation and increased inflammatory signalling. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels promote resistin production both directly and indirectly. Cortisol stimulates resistin release from fat cells whilst also promoting visceral fat accumulation.
Age influences resistin production, with levels typically increasing with advancing age due to changes in body composition, increased inflammation, and hormonal shifts. Menopause in women can accelerate resistin increases due to oestrogen decline and associated metabolic changes.
Certain genetic variations affect resistin production and sensitivity, though lifestyle factors typically have a much greater influence on levels. Some medications, particularly corticosteroids and certain antipsychotics, can increase resistin production as a side effect.
What Drives Resistin Production?
Excess body fat, particularly visceral adipose tissue around your organs, is the primary driver of resistin production. Unlike subcutaneous fat under your skin, visceral fat is metabolically active and produces large amounts of resistin and other inflammatory substances.
Chronic inflammation from any source can increase resistin levels. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other autoimmune conditions can elevate resistin production through immune cell activation.
Diet plays a role in resistin regulation. Diets high in refined carbohydrates, processed foods, and trans fats promote resistin production through multiple mechanisms. High sugar intake directly stimulates resistin release from fat cells whilst also promoting the accumulation of visceral fat that produces more resistin.
Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep duration can raise resistin. This occurs through disruption of hormonal regulation and increased inflammatory signalling. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels promote resistin production both directly and indirectly. Cortisol stimulates resistin release from fat cells whilst also promoting visceral fat accumulation.
Age influences resistin production, with levels typically increasing with advancing age due to changes in body composition, increased inflammation, and hormonal shifts. Menopause in women can accelerate resistin increases due to oestrogen decline and associated metabolic changes.
Certain genetic variations affect resistin production and sensitivity, though lifestyle factors typically have a much greater influence on levels. Some medications, particularly corticosteroids and certain antipsychotics, can increase resistin production as a side effect.
Lowering Resistin Naturally
Reducing resistin levels requires a comprehensive approach targeting both the sources of production and the underlying inflammatory processes. Weight management, particularly reduction of visceral fat, represents the most powerful intervention for lowering resistin levels.
Dietary strategies prove highly effective for resistin reduction. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and fibre can lower resistin levels. Avoiding pro-inflammatory foods is equally important. Reduce refined sugars, processed foods,and trans fats, which may stimulate resistin production.
Regular physical activity powerfully reduces resistin levels through multiple mechanisms. Both aerobic exercise and resistance training decrease resistin, with the combination being most effective. Exercise reduces visceral fat, improves insulin sensitivity, and has direct anti-inflammatory effects that lower resistin production.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) shows particular promise for resistin reduction, with studies showing significant decreases after just 8-12 weeks of regular HIIT sessions. The intense nature of HIIT appears to be especially effective at reducing visceral fat and inflammatory markers.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly with consistent sleep and wake times. Poor sleep is one of the fastest ways to increase resistin levels, whilst good sleep hygiene helps maintain healthy levels. Stress management through meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques helps maintain healthy cortisol patterns that support lower resistin levels.
Lowering Resistin Naturally
Reducing resistin levels requires a comprehensive approach targeting both the sources of production and the underlying inflammatory processes. Weight management, particularly reduction of visceral fat, represents the most powerful intervention for lowering resistin levels.
Dietary strategies prove highly effective for resistin reduction. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and fibre can lower resistin levels. Avoiding pro-inflammatory foods is equally important. Reduce refined sugars, processed foods,and trans fats, which may stimulate resistin production.
Regular physical activity powerfully reduces resistin levels through multiple mechanisms. Both aerobic exercise and resistance training decrease resistin, with the combination being most effective. Exercise reduces visceral fat, improves insulin sensitivity, and has direct anti-inflammatory effects that lower resistin production.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) shows particular promise for resistin reduction, with studies showing significant decreases after just 8-12 weeks of regular HIIT sessions. The intense nature of HIIT appears to be especially effective at reducing visceral fat and inflammatory markers.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly with consistent sleep and wake times. Poor sleep is one of the fastest ways to increase resistin levels, whilst good sleep hygiene helps maintain healthy levels. Stress management through meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques helps maintain healthy cortisol patterns that support lower resistin levels.
Lowering Resistin Naturally
Reducing resistin levels requires a comprehensive approach targeting both the sources of production and the underlying inflammatory processes. Weight management, particularly reduction of visceral fat, represents the most powerful intervention for lowering resistin levels.
Dietary strategies prove highly effective for resistin reduction. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and fibre can lower resistin levels. Avoiding pro-inflammatory foods is equally important. Reduce refined sugars, processed foods,and trans fats, which may stimulate resistin production.
Regular physical activity powerfully reduces resistin levels through multiple mechanisms. Both aerobic exercise and resistance training decrease resistin, with the combination being most effective. Exercise reduces visceral fat, improves insulin sensitivity, and has direct anti-inflammatory effects that lower resistin production.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) shows particular promise for resistin reduction, with studies showing significant decreases after just 8-12 weeks of regular HIIT sessions. The intense nature of HIIT appears to be especially effective at reducing visceral fat and inflammatory markers.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly with consistent sleep and wake times. Poor sleep is one of the fastest ways to increase resistin levels, whilst good sleep hygiene helps maintain healthy levels. Stress management through meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques helps maintain healthy cortisol patterns that support lower resistin levels.
Understanding Your Results
Resistin levels are measured in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL):
Normal range: 2.85-11.6 ng/mL
Unlike many hormones that show significant sex-based differences, resistin levels are relatively similar between men and women, though individual variation can be substantial based on body composition, inflammatory status, and metabolic health.
Resistin levels tend to correlate with body mass index and waist circumference, but the relationship isn't always straightforward. Some individuals with normal weight may have elevated resistin if they carry excess visceral fat or have underlying inflammatory conditions.
It's important to interpret resistin levels alongside other inflammatory and metabolic markers, including C-reactive protein, insulin levels, lipid profiles, and body composition measurements.
Understanding Your Results
Resistin levels are measured in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL):
Normal range: 2.85-11.6 ng/mL
Unlike many hormones that show significant sex-based differences, resistin levels are relatively similar between men and women, though individual variation can be substantial based on body composition, inflammatory status, and metabolic health.
Resistin levels tend to correlate with body mass index and waist circumference, but the relationship isn't always straightforward. Some individuals with normal weight may have elevated resistin if they carry excess visceral fat or have underlying inflammatory conditions.
It's important to interpret resistin levels alongside other inflammatory and metabolic markers, including C-reactive protein, insulin levels, lipid profiles, and body composition measurements.
Understanding Your Results
Resistin levels are measured in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL):
Normal range: 2.85-11.6 ng/mL
Unlike many hormones that show significant sex-based differences, resistin levels are relatively similar between men and women, though individual variation can be substantial based on body composition, inflammatory status, and metabolic health.
Resistin levels tend to correlate with body mass index and waist circumference, but the relationship isn't always straightforward. Some individuals with normal weight may have elevated resistin if they carry excess visceral fat or have underlying inflammatory conditions.
It's important to interpret resistin levels alongside other inflammatory and metabolic markers, including C-reactive protein, insulin levels, lipid profiles, and body composition measurements.
The Takeaway
Resistin serves as a powerful biomarker of inflammatory burden and metabolic dysfunction, providing crucial insight into your overall metabolic risk.
Understanding resistin helps explain the interconnected nature of obesity, inflammation, and metabolic disease. High resistin levels often indicate that excess body fat, particularly visceral fat, and a risk for insulin resistance.
The encouraging news is that resistin levels respond well to lifestyle interventions. Through weight management, high-quality nutrition, and regular exercise, you can significantly lower resistin levels and reduce your risk of metabolic complications.
Resistin levels, in conjunction with other metabolic markers, can provide feedback on current metabolic health and effectiveness of lifestyle interventions over time.
The Takeaway
Resistin serves as a powerful biomarker of inflammatory burden and metabolic dysfunction, providing crucial insight into your overall metabolic risk.
Understanding resistin helps explain the interconnected nature of obesity, inflammation, and metabolic disease. High resistin levels often indicate that excess body fat, particularly visceral fat, and a risk for insulin resistance.
The encouraging news is that resistin levels respond well to lifestyle interventions. Through weight management, high-quality nutrition, and regular exercise, you can significantly lower resistin levels and reduce your risk of metabolic complications.
Resistin levels, in conjunction with other metabolic markers, can provide feedback on current metabolic health and effectiveness of lifestyle interventions over time.
The Takeaway
Resistin serves as a powerful biomarker of inflammatory burden and metabolic dysfunction, providing crucial insight into your overall metabolic risk.
Understanding resistin helps explain the interconnected nature of obesity, inflammation, and metabolic disease. High resistin levels often indicate that excess body fat, particularly visceral fat, and a risk for insulin resistance.
The encouraging news is that resistin levels respond well to lifestyle interventions. Through weight management, high-quality nutrition, and regular exercise, you can significantly lower resistin levels and reduce your risk of metabolic complications.
Resistin levels, in conjunction with other metabolic markers, can provide feedback on current metabolic health and effectiveness of lifestyle interventions over time.
References
Steppan, C. M., Bailey, S. T., Bhat, S., et al. (2001). The hormone resistin links obesity to diabetes. Nature, 409(6818), 307-312.
Savage, D. B., Sewter, C. P., Klenk, E. S., et al. (2001). Resistin/Fizz3 expression in relation to obesity and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma action in humans. Diabetes, 50(10), 2199-2202.
Bokarewa, M., Nagaev, I., Dahlberg, L., et al. (2005). Resistin, an adipokine with potent proinflammatory properties. Journal of Immunology, 174(9), 5789-5795.
Park, H. K., Qatanani, M., & Ahima, R. S. (2008). Resistin in rodents and humans. Current Opinion in Lipidology, 19(3), 279-285.
Silswal, N., Singh, A. K., Aruna, B., et al. (2005). Human resistin stimulates the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-12 in macrophages by NF-κB-dependent pathway. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 334(4), 1092-1101.
References
Steppan, C. M., Bailey, S. T., Bhat, S., et al. (2001). The hormone resistin links obesity to diabetes. Nature, 409(6818), 307-312.
Savage, D. B., Sewter, C. P., Klenk, E. S., et al. (2001). Resistin/Fizz3 expression in relation to obesity and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma action in humans. Diabetes, 50(10), 2199-2202.
Bokarewa, M., Nagaev, I., Dahlberg, L., et al. (2005). Resistin, an adipokine with potent proinflammatory properties. Journal of Immunology, 174(9), 5789-5795.
Park, H. K., Qatanani, M., & Ahima, R. S. (2008). Resistin in rodents and humans. Current Opinion in Lipidology, 19(3), 279-285.
Silswal, N., Singh, A. K., Aruna, B., et al. (2005). Human resistin stimulates the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-12 in macrophages by NF-κB-dependent pathway. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 334(4), 1092-1101.
References
Steppan, C. M., Bailey, S. T., Bhat, S., et al. (2001). The hormone resistin links obesity to diabetes. Nature, 409(6818), 307-312.
Savage, D. B., Sewter, C. P., Klenk, E. S., et al. (2001). Resistin/Fizz3 expression in relation to obesity and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma action in humans. Diabetes, 50(10), 2199-2202.
Bokarewa, M., Nagaev, I., Dahlberg, L., et al. (2005). Resistin, an adipokine with potent proinflammatory properties. Journal of Immunology, 174(9), 5789-5795.
Park, H. K., Qatanani, M., & Ahima, R. S. (2008). Resistin in rodents and humans. Current Opinion in Lipidology, 19(3), 279-285.
Silswal, N., Singh, A. K., Aruna, B., et al. (2005). Human resistin stimulates the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-12 in macrophages by NF-κB-dependent pathway. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 334(4), 1092-1101.
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© 2025 Emerald Labs Ltd