Caloric restriction alone and with exercise improves CVD risk in healthy non-obese individuals

• Published in: Atherosclerosis Vol. 203; no. 1; pp. 206 - 213
• Main Authors: Lefevre, Michael, Redman, Leanne M, Heilbronn, Leonie K, Smith, Julie V, Martin, Corby K, Rood, Jennifer C, Greenway, Frank L, Williamson, Donald A, Smith, Steven R, Ravussin, Eric
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.03.2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Age Factors; Aging; Atherosclerosis (general aspects, experimental research); Biological and medical sciences; Blood and lymphatic vessels; Body Weight; Caloric Restriction; Cardiology. Vascular system; Cardiovascular; Cardiovascular Diseases - etiology; Cardiovascular Diseases - prevention & control; Cardiovascular risk factors; Coronary heart disease; Exercise; Female; Heart; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Nutritional intervention; Nutritional Sciences; Obesity; Overweight; Risk Factors; Weight loss; Aging; Exercise; Cardiovascular risk factors; Weight loss; Caloric restriction; Nutritional intervention; Physical exercise; Obesity; Senescence; Nutrition disorder; Cardiovascular disease; Vascular disease; Atherosclerosis; Risk factor; Nutritional status
• ISSN: 0021-9150; 1879-1484
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2008.05.036

Abstract Calorie restriction (CR) delays the development of age-associated disease and increases lifespan in rodents, but the effects in humans remain uncertain. Purpose Determine the effect of 6 months of CR with or without exercise on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and estimated 10-year CVD risk in healthy non-obese men and women. Methods Thirty-six individuals were randomized to one of three groups for 6 months: Control, 100% of energy requirements; CR, 25% calorie restriction; CR + EX, 12.5% CR + 12.5% increase in energy expenditure via aerobic exercise. CVD risk factors were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Results After 6 months, CR and CR + EX lost approximately 10% of body weight. CR significantly reduced triacylglycerol (−31 ± 15 mg/dL) and factor VIIc (−10.7 ± 2.3%). Similarly CR + EX reduced triacylglycerol (−22 ± 8 mg/dL) and additionally reduced LDL-C (−16.0 ± 5.1 mg/dL) and DBP (−4.0 ± 2.1 mmHg). In contrast, both triacylglycerol (24 ± 14 mg/dL) and factor VIIc (7.9 ± 2.3%) were increased in the Control group. HDL-cholesterol was increased in all groups while hsCRP was lower in the Controls versus CR + EX. Estimated 10-year CVD risk significantly declined from baseline by 29% in CR ( P < 0.001) and 38% in the CR + EX ( P < 0.001) while remaining unchanged in the Control group. Conclusions Based on combined favorable changes in lipid and blood pressure, caloric restriction with or without exercise that induces weight loss favorably reduces risk for CVD even in already healthy non-obese individuals.