The McAuley formula, which uses fasting insulin and triglycerides was proved to be a better predictor of insulin resistance than the HOMA formula, which uses fasting glucose and fasting insulin.
Triglycerides are actually a pretty good indicator alone, and relatively inexpensive as well (compared to fasting insulin).
A little too late, but this study showed the ephedra group lost nearly 16 pounds more than the control group and all heart disease risk factors improved dramatically.
It is ironic that the safest and most effective fat loss agent, either OTC or prescription, has already been banned while the more dangerous (and less effective) prescription solutions are still available. I blame the ephedra ban on the media and the pharmaceutical lobbyists.
Lower growth hormone levels reduce the ability to burn fat during workouts. This, most likely, is one of the many contributing factors to age related weight gain.
Growth hormone levels can be increased naturally with anaerobic exercise (especially weight training), maintaining low insulin levels and increasing dietary protein.
Participants that lost weight and received and intensive 2-month program of lifestyle modification had only a slight better success rate (remaining at or below their baseline weight) than those receiving no therapy.