Effect of Weight Loss and Lifestyle Changes on Vascular Inflammatory Markers in Obese Women

To determine the effect of a program of changes in lifestyle designed to obtain a sustained reduction of body weight on markers of systemic vascular inflammation and insulin resistance. DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized single-blind trial conducted from February 1999 to February 2002 at a university hospital in Italy. PATIENTS: One hundred twenty premenopausal obese women (body mass index > or =30) aged 20 to 46 years without diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia. INTERVENTIONS: The 60 women randomly assigned to the intervention group received detailed advice about how to achieve a reduction of weight of 10% or more through a low-energy Mediterranean-style diet and increased physical activity. The control group (n = 60) was given general information about healthy food choices and exercise. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Lipid and glucose intake; blood pressure; homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity; and circulating levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 18 (IL-18), C-reactive protein (CRP), and adiponectin.

After 2 years, women in the intervention group consumed more foods rich in complex carbohydrates (9% corrected difference; P