Early and late effects of weight loss on lipoprotein metabolism in severe obesity

Atherosclerosis. 1987 Apr;64(2-3):125-30. doi: 10.1016/0021-9150(87)90237-1.

Abstract

In a group of grossly obese patients serum lipoproteins and the intravenous fat tolerance test were analysed before a weight reduction program (n = 98), after 6 weeks (n = 58) and 1 year (n = 15). At one year follow-up the mean weight had fallen from 120 to 105 to 100 kg, respectively. In spite of severe overweight, only a moderate hypertriglyceridaemia (males mean fasting concentration of plasma triglycerides (TG) 2.50 +/- 1.36, females 2.03 +/- 1.94 mmol/l) was found before treatment. After 6 weeks significant reductions were found in VLDL-TG, -cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol (P less than 0.05 at least). After one year VLDL-TG was still below pretreatment level, LDL-cholesterol had increased above pretreatment level, whereas HDL-cholesterol was significantly higher compared to pretreatment (P less than 0.05). Some previous studies suggest that weight loss may lead to HDL-cholesterol reductions, which would be undesirable. The present study indicates that after sustained weight loss and at a stable lower body weight, HDL-cholesterol levels may increase above pretreatment levels after an initial drop during the catabolic weight reduction phase.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Weight*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lipoproteins / blood
  • Lipoproteins / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / metabolism*
  • Triglycerides / blood
  • Triglycerides / metabolism

Substances

  • Lipoproteins
  • Triglycerides