 The study found that individuals with obesity have higher levels of plasma-branched chain amino acids, BCAA, compared to those who are lean. Additionally, these individuals had higher levels of visceral fat and lower levels of subcutaneous fat. Furthermore, the study found that BCAA levels were positively correlated with visceral fat and negatively correlated with subcutaneous fat. In addition, the study found that BCAA levels were associated with markers of insulin resistance such as motsuda index and glucose area under curve. Finally, the study found that a newly discovered metabolite called beta-aminobutyric acid, BAIBA, was associated with decreased cardiometabolic risk. This metabolite was negatively associated with visceral fat and positively associated with subcutaneous fat. This article was authored by Anne-Marie Reitman, Tokora L. Stanley, Clary C. Ellish, and others.