MRI, MRS scans reveal who will lose weight

MRI and MR spectroscopy can identify fat distribution within the body and thus determine who will benefit most from lifestyle changes. Study subjects whose health improved the most after lifestyle changes started out with lower baseline levels of abdominal and liver fat.

German researchers performed MRI and MR spectroscopy on 243 individuals prior to and nine months after a lifestyle intervention (weight loss of 5%, reduced fat intake, and moderate physical activity). Each of the participants was considered at risk of developing type 2 diabetes as a result of obesity.

After nine months, insulin sensitivity improved in 71% of the men and 58% of the women. Individuals with improved insulin sensitivity lost significant amounts of abdominal fat (19% for women and 20% for men) and liver fat (35% for women and 44% for men) (Radiol doi:10.1148/radiol.10092284).