Subsequent Weight Change Research Articles

Weight Regain and Health‐related Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women

Weight loss improves health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, regain after loss is common; little is known about the impact of weight regain on HRQoL in postmenopausal women. Woman on the Move through Activity and Nutrition (WOMAN) is a randomized lifestyle intervention trial of diet, physical activity, and weight loss in 508 postmenopausal women aged 52-62 years. This analysis focused on the women who lost > or =5 lb during the initial phase of the study, baseline to 6 months (n = 248). This cohort was divided into three groups based on subsequent weight change between 6 and 18 months: weight loss (WL; > or =5 lb loss), weight stable (WS; <+/-5 lb change), and weight regain (WR; > or =5 lb gain). HRQoL was measured at baseline, 6, and 18 months using the Short Form-36. Of the 248 women studied, 51 (21%) continued to lose weight after initial weight loss, while 127 (51%) maintained a stable weight, and 70 (28%) regained weight. Between baseline and 6 months, women in WR group had decreased mental health and social-functioning scores, while the WL and WS groups improved in these subscales. Between baseline and 18 months, energy improved most significantly in those with continued weight loss (P = 0.0003). Weight loss was correlated with a small to moderate improvement in perceived general health and energy, which was reversed by weight gain. Further study is needed to investigate the impact of a decline in mental health and social functioning on future weight regain.

Weight Change over Three Decades and the Risk of Osteoporosis in Men: The Norwegian Epidemiological Osteoporosis Studies (NOREPOS)

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of weight in middle-aged men and subsequent weight change on the risk of osteoporosis three decades later. The authors utilized data from 1,476 Norwegian men participating in two health screenings in Oslo (1972-1973 and 2000-2001) and Tromsø (1974-1975 and 2001). Height and weight were measured at baseline and follow-up. Total hip bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed at follow-up by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Baseline body mass index (BMI) was positively related to BMD three decades later. Subsequent weight change was also strongly related to BMD, and the proportion of persons with osteoporosis decreased from 15.1% among those who lost >or=10% of their body weight to 0.6% among those who gained >or=10% of their body weight. Excluding participants with medical conditions did not change the association between weight change and BMD. Taking both BMI and weight change into account, the prevalence of osteoporosis in the lowest quarter of baseline BMI was 31% (95% confidence interval: 24, 37) in persons losing >or=5% of their weight and 4% (95% confidence interval: 1, 7) in persons gaining >or=5% of their weight. In this cohort of middle-aged men, low baseline BMI and weight loss during the following three decades were both strongly and negatively related to total hip BMD.

Association of Body Weight and Body Condition with Survival in Dogs with Heart Failure

Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in people, but overweight and obese human heart failure patients have improved survival compared with normal--or underweight controls--the obesity paradox. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is an association of body weight and body condition with survival in dogs with heart failure. That body condition and changes in body weight are predictors of survival in dogs with heart failure. One hundred and eight dogs with heart failure (International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council stages 2, 3a, or 3b) secondary to dilated cardiomyopathy or chronic valvular disease. Medical records were reviewed, and data regarding initial body weight and body condition score (BCS), subsequent changes in body weight, and treatment were collected. Survival times were determined for dogs that were discharged from the hospital and lived >24 hours. Survival was significantly different between dogs that gained, lost, or maintained body weight over the course of their disease (P= .04), with dogs that gained weight surviving the longest. BCS and medications were not significantly associated with survival time; however, n-3 fatty acid intake was associated with longer survival time (P= .009). These results suggest that changes in body weight might be an important consideration in the survival of dogs with heart failure.

Impact of Functional Limitations and Medical Comorbidity on Subsequent Weight Changes and Increased Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults

The primary goal of this study was to determine the effect of the onset of major medical comorbidity and functional decline on subsequent weight change and increased depressive symptoms. The sample included a prospective cohort of 53 to 63 year olds (n = 10,150) enrolled in the Health and Retirement Study. Separate lagged covariate models for men and women were used to study the impact of functional decline and medical comorbidity on subsequent increases in depressive symptoms and weight change 2 years later. Functional decline and medical comorbidity were individual predictors of subsequent weight changes but not increased depressive symptoms. Most specific incident medical comorbidities or subtypes of functional decline predicted weight changes in both directions. The elevated risk of weight gain subsequent to functional decline or onset of medical comorbidities may require the receipt of preventive measures to reduce further weight-related complications.

Behavioral and Social Environment Affects Weight Gain from Kindergarten to 5th Grade

Household food insecurity is associated with overweight, weight gain, behavior problems, and academic performance in children. Furthermore, the child's immediate behavioral and social environment, which is shaped by caregivers, impacts child development. Beyond feeding behaviors, little research has examined other aspects of the behavioral environment that might increase child's risk for overweight. We hypothesized that the behavioral environment as defined by parenting practices, rules, discipline practices, participation in extra‐curricular activities, and caregiver mental health in Kindergarten affects subsequent weight change. Data on 10,913 US children from the nationally representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Study were used. Linear regression was used to examine effects of the behavioral and social environment and food insecurity on changes in body mass index (BMI) from kindergarten to fifth grade. Children gained less in BMI if they were in a food‐secure household and participated in extracurricular activities (i.e., dance, athletics, art) outside school hours, and if their caregivers engaged in non‐coercive disciplinary practices, established rules for TV viewing, and were involved in at least one school activity (i.e., PTA meeting or fundraising). Understanding these behavioral and social dynamics will help inform intervention strategies to prevent obesity.

Fiber Intake, Not Dietary Energy Density, Is Associated with Subsequent Change in BMI z-Score among Sub-Groups of Children

Objective: Results from short-term studies demonstrate that energy density influences energy intake, but in children and adolescents the long-term effects of energy density and obesity development are sparse. We examined the longitudinal relationship between dietary energy density, fiber intake, and body weight change over 3 years among Danish children. Methods: Multiple regression analyses were performed using anthropometric and dietary data of 398 boys and girls (8–10 years) who were enrolled in 1997/1998 and followed up in 2000/2001. Validated 24-hour recall interviews were conducted in order to collect dietary energy intake. Overweight was defined as 1.05 SD, equivalent to the 85th percentile, of age- and sex-specific BMI z-score reference values. Results: An inverse association between fiber intake and subsequent excess weight gain was observed among the normal weight boys. In overweight boys, there was a direct association with excess weight gain. A high energy intake was associated with a higher weight gain among overweight than among normal-weight boys. No significant association between dietary energy density and subsequent excess weight change was seen. The prevalence of overweight increased from 27.1 to 29.9%. Mean Δz-score was +0.1 and +0.4 for boys and girls, respectively. Conclusion: Dietary energy density was not associated with 3-year weight gain in boys and girls. Only energy and fiber intakes were related to weight gain, but in different ways for subgroups of normal-weight and overweight boys.

Heart transplantation in heart failure: The prognostic importance of body mass index at time of surgery and subsequent weight changes

Heart transplantation is an important treatment for end-stage chronic heart failure. We studied the effect of body mass index (BMI), and the effect of subsequent weight change, on survival following transplantation in 1902 consecutive patients. Patients were recruited from: London (n=553), Berlin (N=971) and Boston (N=378). Patients suitable for transplantation due to symptoms, low left ventricular ejection fraction (<or=30%) and peak oxygen consumption (<or=16 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) (N=237) were used as a comparator. In surviving transplanted patients, average duration of follow-up was 80 (SD 34) months. There were 805 deaths. One year survival was 72.7% (95% CI 72.68-72.72) and 5 year survival was 60.96% (61.94-61.99). Baseline BMI did not effect survival either as a continuous variable (hazard ratio (95% CI): 1.02; 0.99-1.04). Weight loss between transplant and 3 months was associated with worse survival (HR (95% CI) 2.6 (1.42-4.74)) compared with those who gained weight. In the reference group, increasing body mass index was related to survival. Chronic heart failure patients with very low body weight can be transplanted successfully. The presence of underweight need not be an exclusion criterion for heart transplantation. Underweight patients appear to have a greater benefit from transplantation. Body weight increases after transplantation are not associated with adverse prognosis.

Short-Term Weight Change and the Incidence of Diabetes in Midlife

Although there is consensus that excess adiposity is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes, its relationship with weight change is less clear. This study investigates the relative impact of BMI at baseline and short-term (2- or 3-year) weight changes on the incidence of diabetes. Prospective data were collected from a population-based cohort of middle-aged women participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (n = 7,239 for this report). To date, participants have completed four mailed surveys (S1, 1996; S2, 1998; S3, 2001; and S4, 2004). Generalized estimating equations were used to model binary repeated-measures data to assess the impact of BMI at S1 and weight change (S1 to S2; S2 to S3) on 3-year incidence of diabetes at S3 and S4, respectively, adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. BMI at S1 was strongly associated with the development of diabetes by S3 or S4. Compared with women who had a BMI <25 kg/m2, those with BMI > or =25 kg/m2 had higher incidence of diabetes (P < 0.0001), with odd ratios reaching 12.1 (95% CI 7.6-19.3) for women in the very obese group (BMI > or =35 kg/m2). There was no association between shorter-term weight gain or weight loss on first-reported diagnosis of diabetes (P = 0.08). Because women's risk of developing type 2 diabetes in midlife is more closely related to their initial BMI (when aged 45-50 years) than to subsequent short-term weight change, public health initiatives should target the prevention of weight gain before and during early adulthood.

Glucose Response to an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Predicts Weight Change in Non‐diabetic Subjects

Glucose exerts a dual action in the regulation of energy balance, consisting of inhibition of energy intake and stimulation of energy expenditure. Whether blood glucose affects long-term regulation of body weight in humans remains to be established. We sought to test the hypothesis that the post-challenge glucose response is a predictor of weight change. We performed a prospective analysis of the impact of glucose response to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and a mixed-meal test (MT) on subsequent changes in body weight (BW) on 253 Pima Indians (166 men and 87 women) with normal glucose regulation at baseline and follow-up (follow-up: 7 +/- 4 years). Main outcome measures included BW change (total, percent, and annual), plasma glucose and insulin concentrations during OGTT and MT [total and incremental areas under the curve (AUCs)], resting metabolic rate (RMR; indirect calorimetry), and insulin action (euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp). Total and incremental glucose AUCs during the OGTT (but not the MT) were negatively associated with BW change (total, percent, and annual), both before and after adjusting for sex, age, initial BW, follow-up time, insulin action, RMR, fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations, and insulin response. Total and incremental glucose AUCs during the OGTT were independent determinants of final BW with age, initial BW, follow-up time, fasting plasma insulin concentrations, and RMR. Higher post-challenge glucose response protects against BW gain in subjects with normal glucose regulation. We propose that this action may be because of the effect of glucose on food intake and/or thermogenesis.

Race and Gender Differences in the Association of Dieting and Gains in BMI among Young Adults

To assess the relationship between dieting and subsequent weight change and whether the association varies by gender or race/ethnicity. Male (n = 4100) and female (n = 4302) participants in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health who provided information on weight and height at baseline and two follow-up assessments and were not missing information on weight control strategies or race were studied. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess whether dieting to lose or maintain weight at Wave I or II predicted BMI (kg/m(2)) change between adolescence and young adulthood (Wave II to III). Analyses were stratified by gender and took sampling weights and clustering into account. At Wave I, the mean age of the participants was 14.9 years. Approximately 29.3% of female participants and 9.8% of male participants reported dieting in Wave I or II. Fewer African Americans than whites (6.2% vs. 10.0% and 25.5% vs. 31.2%, p = 0.007 and p = 0.02, among males and females, respectively) reported dieting. Between Waves II and III, participants gained on average 3.3 kg/m(2). Independent of BMI gain during adolescence (Waves I to II), female participants who dieted to lose or maintain weight during adolescence made larger gains in BMI during the 5 years between Waves II and III (mean additional gain, 0.39 kg/m(2); 95% confidence interval, 0.08 to 0.71) than their nondieting peers. The association was not significant among the male participants. The association was largest among African-American female participants. The results suggest that not only is dieting to lose weight ineffective, it is actually associated with greater weight gain, particularly among female adolescents. Female African-American dieters made the largest BMI gains.

Heart transplantation in heart failure: the prognostic importance of body mass index at time of surgery and subsequent weight changes

Heart transplantation in heart failure: the prognostic importance of body mass index at time of surgery and subsequent weight changes

11β‐Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 in Adipose Tissue and Prospective Changes in Body Weight and Insulin Resistance

Increased mRNA and activity levels of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11betaHSD1) in human adipose tissue (AT) are associated with obesity and insulin resistance. The aim of our study was to investigate whether 11betaHSD1 expression or activity in abdominal subcutaneous AT of non-diabetic subjects are associated with subsequent changes in body weight and insulin resistance [homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)]. Prospective analyses were performed in 20 subjects (two whites and 18 Pima Indians) who had baseline measurements of 11betaHSD1 mRNA and activity in whole AT (follow-up, 0.3 to 4.9 years) and in 47 Pima Indians who had baseline assessments of 11betaHSD1 mRNA in isolated adipocytes (follow-up, 0.8 to 5.3 years). In whole AT, although 11betaHSD1 mRNA levels showed positive associations with changes in weight and HOMA-IR, 11betaHSD1 activity was associated with changes in HOMA-IR but not in body weight. 11betaHSD1 mRNA levels in isolated adipocytes were not associated with follow-up changes in any of the anthropometric or metabolic variables. Our results indicate that increased expression of 11betaHSD1 in subcutaneous abdominal AT may contribute to risk of worsening obesity and insulin resistance. This prospective relationship does not seem to be mediated by increased 11betaHSD1 expression in adipocytes.

Association of Initial Antipsychotic Response to Clozapine and Long-Term Weight Gain

The aim of this study was to test whether the initial antipsychotic response to clozapine is related to subsequent weight change. This study was an 8-year retrospective chart review of 96 hospitalized patients with schizophrenia. Data on monthly weight change, initial clinical response, age, gender, clozapine dose, and concomitant use of mood stabilizers and other antipsychotics were analyzed. Fifty-five (57.3%) of the patients received clozapine over the entire 8-year period; these subjects experienced an average weight gain of 11.7 kg (SD=1.6). Seventeen of these patients (30.9%) who had a significant initial clinical response (CGI improvement rating of 1 or 2 during the first 14 months) gained significantly more weight (13.8 kg [SD=8.4]) than did the 38 patients without a significant initial response (4.5 kg [SD=12.0]). Multiple linear regression analysis showed significant initial clinical response and lower baseline body mass index were associated with significantly more weight gain. The results show that initial antipsychotic response to clozapine is associated with subsequent long-term weight gain as measured over 8 years.

Do Energy Density and Dietary Fiber Influence Subsequent 5‐Year Weight Changes in Adult Men and Women?

We examined whether associations between dietary components and, in particular, energy density (ED) predicted subsequent 5-year weight changes. The present longitudinal population study was part of the Danish World Health Organization Multinational Monitoring of Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Disease (MONICA) and the 1936 cohort dietary studies. Effects of components were studied in relation to subsequent 5-year weight changes in 862 men and 900 women, 30 to 60 years old. Linear multiple regression analyses were conducted. Mean 5-year changes in body weight (BW) were 1.2 +/- 3.9 and 1.3 +/- 4.6 kg for men and women, respectively. In general, neither ED nor any of the dietary components was associated with subsequent change in BW. In women, ED was positively associated with weight gain among the obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) and inversely associated with weight gain in normal-weight women (BMI < 25 kg/m2) (p = 0.01). However, in men there was a non-significant inverse trend between ED and weight gain in the obese and no significant interaction. To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study to examine the associations between ED and subsequent changes in BW, and despite a general belief that ED is a major determinant of obesity, the present study did not generally lend support for an association. However, among certain subgroups, an energy-dense diet may be a risk factor for weight development.

Adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern and weight gain in a follow-up study: the SUN cohort

The promotion of Mediterranean Diets has generated some doubts, because of the concern that its high fat content might lead to the development of obesity. Longitudinal analysis of 6319 participants in the SUN cohort study. We used a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (136 items). Baseline adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP) was assessed using a score (score_1) including vegetables, fruits, cereals, nuts, pulses, fish, olive oil and moderate consumption of red wine (positively weighted), whereas meat and dairy products were negatively weighted. We assessed the association between the overall baseline adherence to the MDP (score_1) and subsequent weight change after 28 months of follow-up. We also built another score (score_2) to assess changes in diet during follow-up and appraised the association between the joint exposure to both scores and weight change during follow-up. Participants in the first quartile of score_1 (lowest baseline adherence to MDP) showed a higher weight gain (+0.73 kg) than those in the top quartile (+0.45 kg). The results indicated an inverse dose-response relationship (P for trend = 0.016). A similar inverse association was apparent when we used change in adherence to the MDP (score_2). However, both inverse associations did not remain statistically significant after adjusting for relevant confounders. Consumption of dairy products was inversely associated with weight gain. Although participants increased their average weight during the follow-up period, weight increments were smaller among those with a higher adherence to an 'a priori' defined MDP. Results did not remain statistically significant after multivariate adjustment.

Short-term weight changes in community-dwelling older adults: the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Weight Change Substudy

The frequency and short-term natural history of weight loss in community-dwelling older adults have not been described. Unintentional weight loss may be more likely to continue than intentional weight loss. The present substudy described the frequency of a > or = 5% loss or gain in body weight in community-dwelling older adults at an annual examination of the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study and 6 mo later. The weight-management practices used by the participants were also described. A total of 522 older adults with either a > or = 5% weight gain (n = 116) or a > or = 5% weight loss (n = 171) in the previous year were compared with a random sample of weight-stable older adults (< 5% weight loss or gain, n = 235) at the fourth annual visit of the ongoing Health ABC Study. The participants' weight-loss intention and weight-management practices were assessed by an interview. The participants' weight was reassessed 6 mo later. Compared with the weight-stable participants, the participants who had lost or gained weight at the substudy baseline were more likely to have subsequent weight changes. The direction of the subsequent weight change, however, was more likely toward either maintenance of or recovery from the previous weight change. Only 4% of the participants who gained weight and 11% of those who lost weight continued to gain or lose weight, respectively. Continued weight loss was more common in the participants with unintentional weight loss than in those with intentional weight loss, but the difference was not significant. Weight changes were common, but most participants, including those who unintentionally lost weight, maintained their weight change or resolved their weight change in 6 mo. Unintentional weight loss appears less likely to resolve than other weight changes.

Short-term weight changes in community-dwelling older adults: the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Weight Change Substudy

Background: The frequency and short-term natural history of weight loss in community-dwelling older adults have not been described. Unintentional weight loss may be more likely to continue than intentional weight loss. Objectives: The present substudy described the frequency of a ≥5% loss or gain in body weight in community-dwelling older adults at an annual examination of the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study and 6 mo later. The weight-management practices used by the participants were also described. Design: A total of 522 older adults with either a ≥5% weight gain (n = 116) or a ≥5% weight loss (n = 171) in the previous year were compared with a random sample of weight-stable older adults (<5% weight loss or gain, n = 235) at the fourth annual visit of the ongoing Health ABC Study. The participants’ weight-loss intention and weight-management practices were assessed by an interview. The participants’ weight was reassessed 6 mo later. Results: Compared with the weight-stable participants, the participants who had lost or gained weight at the substudy baseline were more likely to have subsequent weight changes. The direction of the subsequent weight change, however, was more likely toward either maintenance of or recovery from the previous weight change. Only 4% of the participants who gained weight and 11% of those who lost weight continued to gain or lose weight, respectively. Continued weight loss was more common in the participants with unintentional weight loss than in those with intentional weight loss, but the difference was not significant. Conclusions: Weight changes were common, but most participants, including those who unintentionally lost weight, maintained their weight change or resolved their weight change in 6 mo. Unintentional weight loss appears less likely to resolve than other weight changes.

Intention to Lose Weight, Weight Changes, and 18-y Mortality in Overweight Individuals without Co-Morbidities

BackgroundWeight loss in the obese improves risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. However, several studies have shown inconsistent long-term effects of weight loss on mortality. We investigated the influence on mortality of intention to lose weight and subsequent weight changes among overweight individuals without known co-morbidities.Methods and FindingsIn 1975, a cohort of individuals reported height, weight, and current attempts (defined as “intention”) to lose weight, and in 1981, they reported current weight. Mortality of the 2,957 participants with body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 in 1975 and without pre-existing or current diseases was followed from 1982 through 1999, and 268 participants died. The association of intention to lose weight in 1975 and actual weight change until 1981 with mortality was analysed while controlling for behavioural and psychosocial risk factors and hypertension as possible confounders. Compared with the group not intending to lose and able to maintain stable weight, the hazard ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) in the group intending to lose weight were 0.84 (0.49–1.48) for those with stable weight, 1.86 (1.22–2.87) for those losing weight, and 0.93 (0.55–1.56) for those gaining weight. In the group not intending to lose weight, hazard ratios were 1.17 (0.82–1.66) for those who did lose weight, and 1.57 (1.08–2.30) for those gaining weight.ConclusionDeliberate weight loss in overweight individuals without known co-morbidities may be hazardous in the long term. The health effects of weight loss are complex, possibly composed of oppositely acting processes, and need more research.

Identification of a Food Pattern Characterized by High-Fiber and Low-Fat Food Choices Associated with Low Prospective Weight Change in the EPIC-Potsdam Cohort

The aim of the study was to identify a dietary pattern predictive of subsequent annual weight change by using dietary composition information. Study subjects were 24,958 middle-aged men and women of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Potsdam cohort. To derive dietary patterns, we used the reduced rank regression method with 3 response variables presumed to affect weight change: fat density, carbohydrate density, and fiber density. Annual weight change was computed by fitting a linear regression line to each person's body weight data (baseline, and 2- and 4-y follow-up) and determining the slope. In linear regression models, the pattern score was related to annual weight change. We identified a food pattern of high consumption of whole-grain bread, fruits, fruit juices, grain flakes/cereals, and raw vegetables, and of low consumption of processed meat, butter, high-fat cheese, margarine, and meat to be predictive of subsequent weight change. Mean annual weight gain gradually decreased with increasing pattern score (P for trend < 0.0001), i.e., subjects scoring high for the pattern maintained their weight or gained significantly less weight over time compared with subjects with an opposite pattern. However, the prediction of annual weight change by the food pattern was significant only in nonobese subjects. In this study population, we identified a food pattern characterized by high-fiber and low-fat food choices that can help to maintain body weight or at least prevent excess body weight gain.

Interactions between physical activity and variants of the genes encoding uncoupling proteins −2 and −3 in relation to body weight changes during a 10-y follow-up

To examine interactions between physical activity and possibly functional variants of the genes encoding uncoupling proteins -2 and -3 in relation to body weight change. We hypothesize that physical inactivity acts synergistically with a 45 bp insertion variant in the 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) of the UCP2-gene and with a t-allele of codon -55 in the promoter of the UCP3-gene in relation to subsequent weight change. Population-based longitudinal study of cohorts of juvenile obese and nonobese men, who were identified at the mandatory draft board examination in Copenhagen and adjacent regions at a median age of 19 y in 1943-77 and later examined at general health surveys in 1981-83 and 1991-93. The juvenile obese cohort included 568 men who at the draft board had a BMI > or =31 kg/m2 and the cohort of controls included 717 randomly selected draftees. Height and weight were measured, and information about physical activity was collected from a self-administered questionnaire. The genotyping of the polymorphisms was performed using RFLP techniques. The main outcome measure was change in BMI during the 10-y follow-up period. Additional outcome measures were obesity, waist circumference and body fat mass index measured at follow-up. Physical activity, the 3'UTR insertion polymorphism and the -55 c/t polymorphism were not consistently associated with changes in BMI, and there were no evidence for interactions between the UCP-variants and physical activity in relation to changes in BMI. No evidence for interaction between the UCP-variants and physical activity was found in relation to the additional obesity measures. This study does not support that interactions between physical activity and variants in the UCP2- or UCP3-gene are major determinants of subsequent weight changes in Danish Caucasian men.