Weight reduction and serum insulin levels in hypothalamic obese monkeys.

Two hyperinsulinemic rhesus monkeys, made obsese (body weight 22 kg) by the placement of hypothalamic lesions, were place on a weight reduction diet for a period of approximately eight months. After losing approximately losing approximately 25% body weight, the animals exhibited a fall in serum insulin levels without changes in plasma glucose levels or composition of fat pad tissue. There was evidence that the number of adipocytes remained constant but were reduced in size after the body weight loss.