ADIPOQ and Insulin resistance: The adipokine adiponectin is anti-inflammatory and potentially anti-atherogenic.5 Low adiponectin levels act as a marker for CHD and are associated with overweight subjects.18 Regular physical exercise (and an energy-controlled diet) reduces visceral fat mass, with a subsequent increased release of antiinflammatory adiponectin, therefore resulting in reduced risk of CHD19 (Fig. 1, pathway: 3c-19-39-insulin resistance).