Reduced oxidized low-density lipoprotein after weight reduction in obese premenopausal women

BACKGROUND: Several studies support the hypothesis that oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) promotes atherogenesis. Obesity is one of the risk factors of atherosclerosis, but it is not known whether obesity is related to LDL oxidation. OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: We investigated the effect of weight reduction and subsequent weight maintenance program on LDL oxidation in 77 obese premenopausal women (BMI 29-46 kg/m(2)). Another group of seven obese women served as a control group. Oxidized LDL was measured as baseline concentration of conjugated dienes in LDL lipids (ox-LDL). The weight reduction was performed in 12 weeks, using a very-low-energy diet. RESULTS: The mean weight loss was 13 kg (92 vs 79 kg). During weight reduction, the concentration of LDL cholesterol decreased by 11%, the concentration of ox-LDL decreased by 40%, and the ratio of ox-LDL to LDL by 33%. The concentration of LDL antioxidant capacity (LDL-TRAP) decreased by 8%, but the decrease was caused by the decrease in LDL. The concentration of LDL, ox-LDL or LDL-TRAP did not change in the control group. The weight reduction correlated with the decrease of ox-LDL. During the subsequent 9 month weight maintenance programme, the concentrations of serum LDL (10%), ox-LDL (11%), LDL-TRAP (29%), and the ratio of LDL-TRAP to LDL (21%) decreased. CONCLUSION: This study strengthens the evidence that the risk of atherogenesis is influenced favourably by weight reduction in obese women. This risk reduction is associated with a reduced oxidation of LDL.