Weight loss larger than 10% is needed for general improvement of levels of circulating adiponectin and markers of inflammation in obese subjects: a 3-year weight loss study

• Published in: European journal of endocrinology Vol. 158; no. 2; pp. 179 - 187
• Main Authors: Madsen, Erik L, Rissanen, Aila, Bruun, Jens M, Skogstrand, Kristin, Tonstad, Serena, Hougaard, David M, Richelsen, Bjørn
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Colchester BioScientifica 01.02.2008; Portland Press
• Subjects: Abdominal Fat; Adiponectin - blood; Adult; Aged; Anti-Obesity Agents - therapeutic use; Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers - blood; C-Reactive Protein - metabolism; Clinical Studies; Diet, Reducing; Double-Blind Method; Endocrinopathies; Energy Intake; Enzyme Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Female; Fibrinogen - metabolism; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Lactones - therapeutic use; Lipase - antagonists & inhibitors; Male; Medical sciences; Metabolic diseases; Middle Aged; Obesity; Obesity - blood; Obesity - drug therapy; Obesity - therapy; Risk Factors; Scandinavian and Nordic Countries; Time Factors; Vertebrates: endocrinology; Weight Loss; Scandinavian and Nordic Countries; Human; Obesity; Improvement; Need; Nutrition disorder; Weight loss; Biological marker; Inflammation; Endocrinology; Nutritional status; Public health; Adiponectin
• ISSN: 0804-4643; 1479-683X
• DOI: 10.1530/EJE-07-0721

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of: I) short- (8 weeks), II) long-term (3 years) weight loss, and III) the degree of weight loss on circulating levels of adiponectin, high sensitive-C reactive protein (hs-CRP), and fibrinogen in obese subjects. Moreover, to evaluate the effect of the lipase inhibitor, orlistat, on these parameters.DesignWeight loss induced in 93 obese subjects (mean weight: 108.9±15.8 kg) through 8-week very-low-energy diet (VLED, 800 kcal/day) followed by randomization to orlistat or placebo together with lifestyle intervention for further 3 years. Adiponectin and hs-CRP were measured at baseline, after 8 weeks of VLED and 6, 12, and 36 months after the VLED by flowmetric xMAP technology (Luminex Multi-Analyte Profiling System, Luminex Corp., Austin, TX, USA). Fibrinogen was measured in a coagulation assay.ResultsWeight loss after VLED treatment was 14.3±4.5 kg and after 3 years 7.7±8.7 kg. Orlistat-treated subjects regained 3.9 kg less than placebo-treated from the end of the VLED to 3 years (P=0.01). No differences were detected between the two groups regarding changes in adiponectin, hs-CRP, or fibrinogen. Accordingly, the groups were combined for further analyses. Serum adiponectin increased by 22% (P<0.05) after the VLED but returned to baseline after 3 years. Both short- and long-term weight losses needed to be in excess of 10% (∼12 kg) in order to increase adiponectin levels significantly. Weight loss was associated with a significant decrease in hs-CRP. Fibrinogen decreased by 12% (P<0.05) after 3 years.ConclusionsIn obese subjects, weight loss was associated with an increase in serum adiponectin and a decrease in hs-CRP and plasma fibrinogen. Long-term weight loss (3 years) must exceed 10% to induce a combined significant improvement in these inflammatory markers.