Insulin resistance occurs when the body has trouble using the insulin it produces, thus causing the pancreas to pump out even more insulin into the blood. The higher your level of insulin resistance, the more likely you are to gain weight, develop chronic disease, and age faster.
Insulin resistance is very common. 25% of healthy, normal-weight individuals have significant insulin resistance. This percentage increases to 50% in healthy, overweight individuals, 85% in obese individuals, and 100% in individuals with metabolic syndrome.