There is a popular “home test” for insulin resistance based on comparing the thickness of the skin fold above and below the navel. It is offered as a quick way to self-check without tests and examinations.
The essence of the method is as follows: you need to stand up straight, relax your stomach, and pinch the skin-fat fold first 2–3 cm above the navel, then 2–3 cm below. If the lower fold is noticeably thicker than the upper one (sometimes a difference of more than 30–40% is mentioned), it is interpreted as a sign of possible insulin resistance.
Where did this idea come from
Insulin resistance is a condition in which cells respond poorly to insulin, and the body has to produce more of it. Insulin remains an anabolic hormone: it enhances fat accumulation and inhibits its breakdown.
With chronically elevated insulin levels, fat is more often deposited in the abdominal area. Therefore, the hypothesis arose that the redistribution of fat in the lower abdomen may be an indirect marker of metabolic disorders.
Why folds may differ
Different thicknesses of the fold above and below the navel are indeed often observed, but there are significantly more reasons for this than just insulin:
- features of the anatomy of the anterior abdominal wall;
- genetically predetermined type of fat distribution;
- decreased muscle tone of the core;
- diastasis after pregnancy;
- local fluid retention;
- intestinal bloating;
- age-related changes in skin and fascia;
- general abdominal type of obesity.
It is important to understand that we are only pinching subcutaneous fat with our fingers. Visceral fat, which is directly related to metabolic risks, cannot be assessed in this way.
When abdominal fat accumulation is truly related to IR
Insulin activates the enzyme lipoprotein lipase in abdominal fat tissue, accelerating fat storage. At the same time, it suppresses lipolysis. Combined with stress, physical inactivity, excess simple carbohydrates, and sleep disturbances, this can enhance fat accumulation in the waist area.
However, the mere presence of a larger volume of fat in the lower abdomen does not equate to a diagnosis. It is only a possible indirect sign of unfavorable fat tissue distribution.
What indicators actually indicate insulin resistance
To assess the condition, laboratory markers and clinical data are used:
- fasting insulin;
- fasting glucose;
- HOMA-IR index;
- triglycerides and HDL;
- waist circumference;
- presence of liver steatosis by ultrasound.
Insulin resistance can occur even in a person without a pronounced belly.
Conversely, a pronounced lower abdomen may be observed with normal metabolic indicators.
Why the “fold test” is unreliable
The method is not standardized. There is no exact measurement point, compression force, or norms for gender and age. The result depends on the pinching technique and subjective “eyeballing” assessment.
Moreover, the test does not take into account diet quality, physical activity level, hormonal background, stress, and other factors that affect metabolism.
So does the test work or not
As a diagnostic tool — no, the test does not work. The difference in folds above and below the navel does not confirm or exclude insulin resistance.
As a reason to pay attention to fat distribution and check metabolic indicators — it may be useful. But final conclusions should only be made based on tests and a comprehensive assessment of the body’s condition.
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