AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Increased NEFA production and concentrations may underlie insulin resistance. We examined systemic and adipose tissue NEFA metabolism in insulin-resistant overweight men (BMI 25-35 kg/m2). METHODS: In a cohort study we examined NEFA concentrations in men in the upper quartile of fasting insulin (n = 124) and in men with fasting insulin below the median (n = 159). In a metabolic study we examined NEFA metabolism in the fasting and postprandial states, in ten insulin-resistant men and ten controls. RESULTS: In the cohort study, fasting NEFA concentrations were not significantly different between the two groups (median values: insulin-resistant men, 410 micromol/l; controls, 445 micromol/l). However, triacylglycerol concentrations differed markedly (1.84 vs 1.18 mmol/l respectively, p