Frieler RA, Vigil TM, Song J, et al. - The results show that, despite early inhibitory effects on fat deposition and weight gain, a high-fat (HF)/NaCl (sodium) diet does not protect against the metabolic repercussions of HF diet use.

• Male and female mice on the HF diet gained weight after 10 weeks, but HF/NaCl mice gained weight at a considerably lower rate than chow-fed mice.

• HF/NaCl mice had significantly higher fasting blood glucose and poorer glucose control during glucose tolerance tests in the absence of obesity.

• The pancreatic and β-cell mass were reduced in both NaCl and HF/NaCl mice.

• The administration of NaCl in drinking water did not protect mice against the weight gain and obesity caused by the HF diet.

• Further investigation found that 20 weeks of HF/NaCl diet treatment resulted in considerable weight gain and insulin resistance.