Metabolic obesity isn't a term most of us have heard of. Metabolic obese individuals are of normal weight. Their blood insulin and blood sugar levels, however, are much higher than would be expected. Metabolic obesity is probably best described as "obesity that is waiting to happen." A recent clinical study at the University of Vermont offers a good example.

Doctors examined 71 women aged 21 to 35. Of the 71 women participating in the study, 13 were found to be "metabolically obese." The difference was not weight, although the metabolically obese women weighed slightly more (an average of 132 pounds) than the normal women (an average of 129 pounds). Neither was the difference body fat, although the metabolically obese women had a slightly higher percentage body fat, 32% compared to 27%.

The fundamental difference between the two groups of women was the ability of the body to clear sugar out of the bloodstream after a meal. The longer the body takes to return blood sugars to normal levels after eating, the worse the metabolic obesity.

Why is this important?

The body moves sugar into cells with the help of insulin. This vital hormone moves more than just sugars. It also helps cells store fat. In fact, insulin is 300 times more effective at storing fat than it is for storing sugars.If cells resist the effects of insulin, the pancreas secretes more. Before the onset of diabetes, the extra insulin eventually gets the sugar out of the bloodstream. But the additional insulin results in storing even more fat.

The metabolic obesity that is caused by insulin resistance may be related to antioxidant deficiency.Certain foods are extremely rich in antioxidants. Dried prunes and raisins are among the most sources of antioxidants readily found in the market. Beans, blueberries, dried apricots, pomegranate juice, artichokes, Russet potatoes, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, ground cloves, cinnamon, and oregano are also high on the list. The fact is, unfortunately, most of us don't eat the antioxidant-rich foods our bodies need, and, frankly, we can eat them all the time, as any one who has ever feasted on prunes can attest.

The most reliable remedy for antioxidant deficiency that leads to metabolic obesity is a simple, balanced, multivitamin supplement taken every day. Over 340 published scientific studies confirm the role of dietary and vitamin supplement antioxidants in preventing insulin resistance and metabolic obesity. Beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and red wine catechins all provide antioxidants that prevent insulin resistance. Alpha-lipoic acid is especially useful for offsetting the insulin resistance induced by excessive consumption of fructose, the simple sugar found in corn syrup and most soft drinks and baked goods in North America.

So what's your best vitamin supplement?

As a general rule, it's best to avoid overdoses of antioxidant vitamin supplements.Very high levels of antioxidants, such as 10,000 mg of vitamin C or 3,000 IU of vitamin E every day, can alter the way your body responds to vitamins. If you abruptly stop taking a megadose of antioxidant vitamin supplement, your body will act as if you were nutritionally deficient. It is never a good idea to take megadoses of antioxidant vitamin supplements over a period of weeks or months unless you are treating a specific health condition--other than metabolic obesity--that requires them.

The best way to get your "vitamin insurance" is to take a multivitamin formula. Formulas balance individual ingredients. You won't be getting your zinc without copper or your folic acid without vitamin B-6.