We explored serum concentrations and mRNA expression of insulin-like-growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis components in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) and peripheral monocytes (PM) of 18 healthy females, 11 obese non-diabetic females (OB) and 13 obese women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) examined at baseline and after very-low-calorie diet (VLCD).