Changes in cardiovascular risk factors with participation in a 12-week weight loss trial using a commercial format

• Participants completed a 12-week behavioral weight loss intervention.
• Average weight loss was 3.74 ± 3.16 kg (4.37 ± 3.71% of baseline weight).
• There were decreases in triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol.
• Among those with elevated values, reductions were seen on most risk factors.
• Modest weight loss can yield improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors.

ObjectiveThis study assessed changes in cardiovascular disease risk factors among participants in a 12-week behavioral weight loss intervention featuring a commercial format.Method132 participants were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a 12-week group-based lifestyle intervention that involved two structured food plan conditions. Of them, 112 (100 women and 12 men, mean BMI = 31.44 ± 2.18 kg/m2) completed the program with post-treatment assessments. Weight and changes in risk factors (cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, and blood pressure) were assessed at pre- and posttreatment. Additionally, changes for each risk factor were examined among participants with baseline values of risk factors beyond recommended cut points.ResultsWith no weight loss differences between conditions, analyses used the combined sample. Participants lost 3.74 ± 3.16 kg (4.37 ± 3.71% of baseline weight), and exhibited significant decreases in triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels. There were trends toward reductions in fasting glucose, systolic blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol. Among participants with elevated baseline values, significant reductions were seen on all risk factors, with the exception of HDL cholesterol.DiscussionModest weight loss achieved via a relatively brief, non-intensive intervention using a commercial format can yield significant improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors, particularly among individuals with initially higher-risk values.