Cephalic Phase of Insulin Secretion in Obese Women

Abstract

The cephalic phase of reflex insulin secretion was studied in normoglycemic and normoinsulinemic female patients, obese (more than 30% over IBW) and normal subjects. After an overnight fasting, at the sight of breakfast food, the obese group did not present a cephalic response. Their glycemia and insulinemia levels remained at base levels. One minute after visual and olfactory stimulation, a statistically significant rise in immunoreactive insulin levels which was maintained throughout the test, was observed in the control group.