Effect of weight loss on cardiometabolic risk factors in obese patients

Abstract

Abstract Background Central obesity and dyslipidemia are a cardinal features of the metabolic syndrome and represents increased cardiometabolic risk. It has been shown that weight loss is capable to improve insulin sensitivity and lipid parameters. The aim of our study was to analyze the effect of a weight-lowering program (diet and physical activity) on LDL- and HDL-cholesterol subfractions and cardiometabolic risk factors (waist circumference, blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, physical fitness). Methods We studied 2 groups of obese subjects, group A composed of 43 patients with obesity grade 1 and 2 (30F/13M; age: 43.2 ±12.4 years; BMI 31.3 ± 6.1 kg/m2); group B composed of patients with obesity grade 3 (6F/7M; age: 34.7 ±9.8 years; BMI 51.7 ± 7.9 kg/m2). The weight loss interventional program (NCT02325804) in duration of 8-week (group A) or 24 weeks (group B) consisted of hypocaloric diet and physical activity. Body composition, physical fitness, blood lipids profile (using the Lipoprint system (Quantimetrix Corp., CA, USA), and insulin sensitivity were measured. Results The average weight loss was 7.3±1.9 kg in group A and 35.3±16.0 kg in group B. Systolic, diastolic blood pressure (BP) as well as heart rate decreased in group A, in group B only systolic BP. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin decreased as well as insulin sensitivity and physical fitness has been improved after intervention. Total, LDL2, HDL2 cholesterol, as well as triglycerides (TG) decreased with weight in group A and total, LDL, TG, VLDL, LDL2 large, and small HDL subfractions decreased and intermediate HDL increased in group B. Conclusions Short term life style intervention (diet and physical activity) in patients with obesity lead to notable improvement of cardiometabolic parameters (decreased body fat mass, improved insulin sensitivity, lipid profile) as well as atheroprotective changes in LDL subfractions. Funding Supported by grants APVV 17-0099; VEGA 2/0129/20; VEGA 2/0072/18 Key messages Short term life style intervention in patients with obesity lead to notable improvement of cardiometabolic parameters. Weight-lowering program (diet and physical activity) lead to positive changes in LDL- and HDL-cholesterol subfractions.