RESULTS Weight loss was associated with a decline in CRP level .
Our results suggest that weight loss may be an effective nonpharmacologic strategy for lowering CRP level
BACKGROUND Several studies suggest that weight loss reduces C-reactive protein ( CRP ) level ; however , the consistency and magnitude of this effect has not been well characterized .
Our objective was to test the hypothesis that weight loss is directly related to a decline in CRP level .
Weight Loss Reduces C-Reactive Protein Levels in Obese Postmenopausal Women
Background —C-reactive protein ( CRP ) has been proposed as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and has been positively associated with body weight and body fatness . We examined the hypothesis that weight loss would reduce plasma CRP levels in obese postmenopausal women . Methods and Results —In a sample of 61 obese ( body mass index , 35.6±5.0 kg/m2 ) , postmenopausal women ( age , 56.4±5.2 years ) , we found that plasma CRP levels were positively associated with dual x-ray absorptiometry – measured total body fatness ( r = 0.36 , P < 0.005 ) and CT-measured intra-abdominal body fat area ( r = 0.30 , P < 0.02 ) . Significant correlations were also found between plasma CRP and triglyceride levels ( r = 0.33 , P < 0.009 ) and glucose disposal measured by the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique ( r = −0.29 , P < 0.03 ) . Twenty-five of the 61 women tested at baseline completed a weight loss protocol .  The average weight loss was 14.5±6.2 kg ( −15.6 % , P < 0.0001 ) , with losses of 10.4±5.4 kg fat mass ( −25.0 % , P < 0.0001 ) and 2.8±1.4 kg fat-free mass ( −6.0 % , P < 0.0001 ) . Visceral and subcutaneous fat areas were reduced by −36.4 % and −23.7 % , respectively ( P < 0.0001 ) . Plasma CRP levels were significantly reduced by weight loss : average −32.3 % , from 3.06 ( + 0.69 , −1.29 ) to 1.63 ( + 0.70 , −0.75 ) & mgr;g/mL ( P < 0.0001 , medians and interquartile differences ) . Changes in body weight and in total body fat mass were both positively associated with plasma CRP level reductions . Conclusions —Adiposity was a significant predictor of plasma CRP in postmenopausal women on a cross-sectional basis . Moreover , caloric restriction – induced weight loss decreased plasma CRP levels . Weight loss may represent an important intervention to reduce CRP levels , which may mediate part of its cardioprotective effects in obese postmenopausal women
RESULTS Weight loss was associated with a decline in CRP level .
Our results suggest that weight loss may be an effective nonpharmacologic strategy for lowering CRP level
BACKGROUND Several studies suggest that weight loss reduces C-reactive protein ( CRP ) level ; however , the consistency and magnitude of this effect has not been well characterized .
Our objective was to test the hypothesis that weight loss is directly related to a decline in CRP level .