Key result
South Asian youth have higher visceral and liver fat and lower insulin sensitivity than peers.
Why the study?
South Asian individuals are at elevated diabetes risk attributed to insulin resistance, insulin deficiency, and ectopic fat, prompting investigation into early metabolic mechanisms compared with other racial and ethnic groups.
Do South Asian adolescents and young adults have higher ectopic fat and altered insulin secretion compared to White and African American peers?
Population
Adolescents and young adults aged 12–21 years with BMI ≥23 kg/m2 or ≥80 percentile (53 South Asian, 53 White, 49 African American)
Comparison
South Asian vs White vs African American adolescents and young adults
Design
Cross-sectional comparative study
Authors
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Supports earlier diabetes risk assessment in South Asian youth; extends adult observations and leaves open targeted prevention trials.
Cross-Sectional (n=155)
Do South Asian adolescents and young adults have higher ectopic fat and altered insulin secretion compared to White and African American peers?
South Asian adolescents and young adults exhibit higher visceral and liver fat, lower insulin sensitivity, and higher insulin secretion compared to White and African American peers, indicating elevated early metabolic risk.
HITT et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Diabetes risk (n=155). South Asian ethnicity vs. White and African American ethnicity was evaluated on Visceral fat, liver fat, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion. Compared with White and African American peers, South Asian adolescents and young adults had higher visceral fat (P<0.001 vs White) and liver fat (P<0.001 vs both), and lower insulin sensitivity.