Which adipokine has an inverse relationship with body fat (obesity)?

• A. Leptin
• B. Ghrelin
• C. Resistin
• D. Adiponectin

Answer: (D)

The adipokine that has an inverse relationship with body fat is adiponectin. Adiponectin is produced by adipose tissue, but unlike others, its levels are higher in lean individuals and decrease as fat mass increases. This inverse pattern matters because adiponectin improves insulin sensitivity and has anti-inflammatory effects, so lower adiponectin in obesity contributes to insulin resistance and metabolic risk. In contrast, leptin levels rise with more fat and signal fullness, though obesity often features leptin resistance; ghrelin stimulates appetite and is not inversely tied to fat mass; resistin tends to be higher with obesity and is linked to inflammation and insulin resistance.