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 .
A substitution model of dietary manipulation is an effective means of optimising lipid profile, reducing C-reactive protein and increasing insulin-like growth factor-1.
There are two key methods in which fat intake may be manipulated ; the ' substitution model ' and the ' reduction model ' . However insufficient information is known about the mechanisms of dietary fat reduction in individuals who have successfully reduced their fat intake , to be clear as to which strategy offers the greatest chance of success . Our objective was to ascertain the most effective dietary intervention for improving cardiovascular risk profile .  Eighty female volunteers ( high fat consumers ) were recruited . Each subject was r and omly allocated into one of the following groups . Substitution of high-fat foods was made with reduced-fat products , by the reduction of high-fat foods , by a combination of substitution and reduction strategies , or no advice was given . Each intervention lasted 3 months . Anthropometric measures and fasting blood sample s were taken at baseline and follow-up . The substitution intervention result ed in weight loss ( mean -1.4 ( 95 % CI -2.4 , -0.2 ) kg ) and reduced percentage body fat ( mean -1.3 ( 95 % CI -2.0 , -0.5)% ) . There was no significant weight change with the other interventions . Fasting triacylglycerols ( -0.2 ( SEM 0.07 ) mm ; P=0.04 ) , cholesterol and C-reactive protein ( CRP ) levels ( 0.8 ( SEM 0.2 ) mg/l ; P=0.04 ) fell with the substitution intervention , but not with the other interventions . Insulin-like growth factor-1 increased with both substitution and reduction ( P=0.02 ) . There was no significant change in fasting insulin or glucose with any intervention . The substitution model of dietary intervention is effective even over a relatively short interval of time in reducing fasting total cholesterol , triacylglycerols and CRP . Although the group size for the present study was small and involved females only , it has significant implication s for population intervention strategies
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 .