Low levels of adiponectin, a hormone from fat deposits, reflect an increased risk of laminitis. Traditionally thought to be a problem in obese horses, new study results show that obesity is not a reliable indicator of laminitis risk and poor metabolic health.
Body condition score alone should not be used to assess metabolic risk factors in horses: thinner horses may still have insulin dysregulation and be at risk of foundering.”
Source: The Paulick Report, January 5, 2024. Link.