Weight loss
Weight loss-induced rise in plasma pollutant is associated with reduced skeletal muscle oxidative capacity.

Imbeault P, Tremblay A, Simoneau JA, Joanisse DR.

Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Laval University, Ste-Foy, Quebec, Canada. pascal.imbeault kin.msp.ulaval.ca

In this study, we examined whether weight loss-induced changes in plasma organochlorine compounds (OC) were associated with those in skeletal muscle markers of glycolytic and oxidative metabolism. Vastus lateralis skeletal muscle enzyme activities and plasma OC (Aroclor 1260, polychlorinated biphenyl 153, p,p'-DDE, beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, and hexachlorobenzene) were measured before and after a weight loss program in 17 men and 20 women. Both sexes showed a similar reduction in body weight (approximately 11 kg) in response to treatment, although men lost significantly more fat mass than women (P < 0.05). Enzymatic markers of glycolysis, phosphofructokinase (PFK) activity, and oxidative metabolism, beta-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HADH), citrate synthase (CS), and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activities, remained unchanged after weight loss. A significant increase in plasma OC levels was observed in response to weight loss, an effect that was more pronounced in men. No relationship was observed between changes in OC and those in PFK activity in either sex [-0.31 < r < 0.12, not significant (NS)]. However, the greater the increase in plasma OC levels, the greater the reduction in oxidative enzyme (HADH, CS, COX) activities was in response to weight loss in men (-0.75 < r < -0.50, P < 0.05) but not in women (-0.33 < r < 0.33, NS). These results suggest that the weight loss-induced increase in plasma pollutant levels is likely to be associated with reduced skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism in men but not in women.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11832359&dopt=Abstract weight loss



Weight loss
COX-2 inhibition attenuates anorexia during systemic inflammation without impairing cytokine production.

Johnson PM, Vogt SK, Burney MW, Muglia LJ.

Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.

Anorexia and weight loss are frequent complications of acute and chronic infections and result from induction of cytokines, prostaglandins, and other inflammatory mediators that are critical for pathogen elimination. Selective attenuation of the hypophagic response to infection and maintenance of the production of factors essential for infection control would be a useful addition to antimicrobial therapy in the treatment of human disease. Here, we evaluate the relative contribution of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1- and COX-2-derived prostaglandins to anorexia and weight loss precipitated by systemic immune activation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Using COX isoform-selective pharmacological inhibitors and gene knockout mice, we found that COX-2 inhibition during LPS-induced inflammation results in preserved food intake and maintenance of body weight, whereas COX-1 inhibition results in augmented and prolonged weight loss. Regulation of neuropeptide Y, corticotropin-releasing hormone, leptin, and interleukin-6 does not change as a function of COX-2 inhibition after LPS administration. Our data implicate COX-2 inhibition as a therapeutic target to maintain nutritional status while still allowing a normal cytokine response during infection.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11832369&dopt=Abstract weight loss



Weight loss
Perspectives: A Practical Approach to the Dietary Treatment of Hypertriglyceridemia.

Mueller-Cunningham WM, Hyson D.

Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, California State University, Sacremento, CA 95819.

Reducing high plasma triglyceride (TG) levels is an important step in the treatment and prevention of coronary artery disease. The rise in plasma TGs seen after subjects consume low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets for a period of time may be due to the simple form of carbohydrate provided and/or prevention of weight loss in these studies. Ad libitum low-fat, high-carbohydrate intake often results in weight loss and decreases in plasma TGs. Replacing dietary carbohydrate with monounsaturated fat lowers serum TG levels and maintains serum high-density lipoprotein levels but fails to result in weight loss. Low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate intake reduces incidence rates of coronary artery disease. On the basis of the evidence, a low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate diet combined with limited alcohol and sugar intake is recommended for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. (c)2001 CHF, Inc.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11832676&dopt=Abstract weight loss



Weight loss
Long-term weight loss and breakfast in subjects in the National Weight Control Registry.

Wyatt HR, Grunwald GK, Mosca CL, Klem ML, Wing RR, Hill JO.

University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado 80262, USA. holly.wyatt uchsc.edu

OBJECTIVE: To examine breakfast consumption in subjects maintaining a weight loss in the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR). RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A cross-sectional study in which 2959 subjects in the NWCR completed demographic and weight history questionnaires as well as questions about their current breakfast consumption. All subjects had maintained a weight loss of at least 13.6 kg (30 lb) for at least 1 year; on average these subjects had lost 32 kg and kept it off for 6 years. RESULTS: A large proportion of NWCR subjects (2313 or 78%) reported regularly eating breakfast every day of the week. Only 114 subjects (4%) reported never eating breakfast. There was no difference in reported energy intake between breakfast eaters and non-eaters, but breakfast eaters reported slightly more physical activity than non-breakfast eaters (p = 0.05). DISCUSSION: Eating breakfast is a characteristic common to successful weight loss maintainers and may be a factor in their success.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11836452&dopt=Abstract weight loss



Weight loss
Motivation to modify lifestyle risk behaviors in women treated for breast cancer.

Pinto BM, Maruyama NC, Clark MM, Cruess DG, Park E, Roberts M.

Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, Miriam Hospital and Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI 02903, USA. bpinto lifespan.org

OBJECTIVE: To determine motivators of health behaviors (relevant to risk for chronic disease and cancer recurrence) after a cancer diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-six women who had been treated for breast cancer (mean age, 54.8 years; median time since diagnosis, 23.5 months) participated in this cross-sectional study (1997-1998). Respondents completed a questionnaire assessing overweight or obesity status, dietary fat intake, energy expenditure, motivational readiness for exercise and weight loss, and variables associated with readiness for exercise adoption and weight loss. RESULTS: Forty-six women (54%) were overweight or obese, and 47 women (55%) reported dietary fat intake of 30% or higher. Sixty-one women (72%) were in action/ maintenance stages for exercise adoption. A majority believed that diet and exercise can change the course of cancer. Overweight and obese women in the sample were more likely to be in early stages of motivational readiness for weight loss, and they reported significantly lower exercise self-efficacy and lower eating self-efficacy than their nonoverweight peers. However, they endorsed more benefits associated with weight loss than the nonoverweight subgroup. Thirty-three women (39%) reported both a low-fat diet and exercising at recommended levels. CONCLUSIONS: Only a minority of respondents reported consuming a diet low in fat and exercising at recommended levels, which suggests a need to improve both diet and exercise behaviors among women treated for breast cancer. Overweight and obese women reported low self-efficacy for exercise and eating, suggesting that interventions should focus on increasing self-efficacy for behavior change.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11838645&dopt=Abstract weight loss



Weight loss
Comparison of Yukon Women by Weight Loss Effort and Body Mass Index: Self-reported Nutrition and Exercise Practices and Beliefs and Self-rated Health.

Guillen Cabrera EO, Barr SI.

RDN, Food and Nutrition Services, Vancouver Hospital, Vancouver, BC.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of weight loss efforts among women in the Yukon Territory and to assess relationships between weight loss effort (not trying/trying to lose weight) or weight status and self-reported nutrition and exercise practices and self-rated health. Data were obtained from 711 nonpregnant, noninstitutionalized women aged >15 y participating in the Yukon Health Promotion Survey. Over 50% of women were trying to lose weight at the time of the survey. These women were more likely to believe they ate well enough to maintain health, to report following certain recommended nutrition practices and to feel they didn't exercise as much as they needed. Self-rated mental and emotional health and physical health, however, were lower than among women not trying to lose weight. Overweight (Body Mass Index (BMI) >27) and normal weight (BMI 20-25) women reported similar nutrition practices and beliefs, whereas underweight women (BMI <20) were less likely to report following certain recommended nutrition practices or to believe they ate well enough to maintain health. Overweight women reported lower overall quality of life, physical health and social relationships than women with BMI = 25. These results suggest that weight loss should not be emphasized as the primary benefit of sound nutrition and that dietitians should reinforce that eating well and being active are important to everyone, regardless of weight.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11844407&dopt=Abstract weight loss



Weight loss
Long-term effects of weight loss on pharmaceutical costs in obese subjects. A report from the SOS intervention study.

Agren G, Narbro K, Naslund I, Sjostrom L, Peltonen M.

Department of Surgery, Orebro Medical Centre Hospital, Orebro, Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Although intentional weight reduction improves obesity-related comorbidities, the associations between weight reduction, medication and related costs are rarely studied. This study investigates the long-term effects of weight change on medication for diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in severely obese subjects. METHODS: In the intervention study Swedish Obese Subjects, 510 surgically and 455 conventionally treated obese patients have so far been followed for 6 y. Changes in the use and costs of medication were analyzed in relation to treatment and weight change. RESULTS: In comparison with controls, larger fraction of surgically treated patients discontinued the use of medication for CVD and diabetes at 2 and 6 y (risk ratios 0.56-0.77). Among subjects not initially on medication, surgery reduced the frequency of started treatments (risk ratios 0.08-0.80). Relative weight loss >or=10% was necessary to reduce costs of medication for CVD and diabetes among subjects with such treatment at baseline. To reduce initiation of new treatment against the two conditions, weight loss >or=15% was required. Over 6 y, the average annual cost for diabetes and CVD medication increased by 463 SEK (96%) in subjects with weight loss <5%, and decreased by 39 SEK(8%) in the weight loss group >or=15%. CONCLUSION: Long-term intentional weight loss is associated with reduced medication and medication costs for diabetes and CVD. The effects appear to be more marked among subjects who are initially on medication for these conditions, whereas greater weight reduction is needed to prevent new subjects from starting on medication.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11850749&dopt=Abstract weight loss



Weight loss
Intermediate results of health related quality of life after vertical banded gastroplasty.

Sabbioni ME, Dickson MH, Eychmuller S, Franke D, Goetz S, Hurny C, Naef M, Balsiger B, de Marco D, Burgi U, Buchler MW.

Med. Abteilung C.L. Lory-Haus, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland. marzio.sabbioni insel.ch

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate (a) health-related quality of life (HRQL) after vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) (Mason) and (b) predictors of HRQL. SUBJECTS: Eighty-two consecutive patients were assessed preoperatively and then after 6, 12 and 24 months. Patients filled out questionnaires for subjective appraisal of HRQL (physical well-being, mood, physical performance, perceived health, social support and coping/adjustment). RESULTS: The greatest improvement in weight and HRQL was seen within 6 months of surgery. Twenty-four months after VBG weight reduction (P<0.05), perceived health (P<0.05), physical well-being (P<0.05), physical performance (P<0.05), mood (P<0.05), coping/adjustment (P<0.05) continued to be better than before surgery. Preoperative binge eating was the most important predictor of HRQL. CONCLUSION: Two years after VBG weight loss and a significant improvement of HRQL can be found. HRQL and weight loss are not associated in terms of outcome, indicating that weight loss alone may not be enough to improve HRQL.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11850762&dopt=Abstract weight loss



Weight loss
Effects of short-term modest weight loss on fasting and post-prandial lipoprotein sub-fractions in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Ybarra J, James RW, Makoundou V, Bioletto S, Golay A.

Departamento de obstetricia y gynecologia, Instituto Universitario Dexeus, Universidad autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the efficacy of a modest weight loss (1.5 +/- 0.3 kg) and simultaneous rapid improvement in glycemic control on fasting an post-prandial lipoprotein sub-fractions in nine overweight (BMI=28 +/- 1.7 kg/m(2)) well controlled Type 2 diabetic patients (HbA(1c)=7.3 +/- 0.1%). MATERIAL AND METHODS: They followed a non-drastical hypocaloric balanced diet (1 561 +/- 39 kcal/day) over ten days in hospital. The fat content of the diet was significantly lowered from 96 +/- 12 g/day to 62 +/- 4 g/day (p<0.03). Plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels were measured in fasting and four hours after standard breakfast and four hours after standard lunch twice before and after ten days of hospitalization. The sub-fractions of very low density and low density lipoprotein were obtained by cumulative flotation ultracentrifugation. RESULTS: This weight loss reduced two well known independent cardiovascular risk factors such as the post-prandial glycemic excursions (p<0.05) and the post-prandial lipemia (p<0.05). Multiple linear regression analyses identified weight loss as an independent variable accounting for the ability to predict post-prandial capillary triglyceride clearance (p<0.05). Improvements in post-prandial glycemic excursions which was also entered as a parameter did not appear as a variable being able to predict these changes (p=0.4). In addition to the 23% improvement in post-prandial capillary triglyceride clearance (p<0.02), a decrement in post-prandial VLDL-2 triglyceride enrichment was found (p<0.05). Finally, fasting and post-prandial LDL-3 cholesterol levels were diminished (p<0.05) and the LDL-2/LDL-3 mass ratio post-prandial kinetics were improved (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Even a modest weight loss in overweight, average controlled type 2 diabetic patients can achieve a significant improvement in two cardiovascular risk factors, namely post-prandial triglyceride excursions and the LDL-2/LDL-3 mass ratio kinetics independently from glycemic control improvements.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11852380&dopt=Abstract weight loss