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 .
Association between physical activity and markers of inflammation in a healthy elderly population.
Higher levels of physical activity are associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease . There is growing evidence that the development of the atherosclerotic plaque is associated with inflammation . In this study , the authors investigated the cross-sectional association between physical activity and markers of inflammation in a healthy elderly population . Data obtained in 1989 - 1990 and 1992 - 1993 from the Cardiovascular Health Study , a cohort of 5,888 men and women aged > /=65 years , were analyzed . Concentrations of the inflammation markers-C-reactive protein , fibrinogen , Factor VIII activity , white blood cells , and albumin-were compared cross-sectionally by quartile of self-reported physical activity . Compared with persons in the lowest quartile , those in the highest quartile of physical activity had 19 % , 6 % , 4 % , and 3 % lower concentrations of C-reactive protein , white blood cells , fibrinogen , and Factor VIII activity , respectively , after adjustment for gender , the presence of cardiovascular disease , age , race , smoking , body mass index , diabetes , and hypertension . Multivariate regression models suggested that the association of higher levels of physical activity with lower levels of inflammation markers may be mediated by body mass index and glucose . There was no association between physical activity and albumin . Higher levels of  physical activity  were associated with lower concentrations of four out of five inflammation markers in this elderly cohort . These data suggest that increased exercise is associated with reduced inflammation . Prospect i ve studies will be required for verification of these findings
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 .