The association of markers of inflammation with weight change in older adults:: the Cardiovascular Health Study

Objective: Elevated levels of inflammation factors often precede weight loss and may be causally related to it. Newer studies suggest that elevated levels of inflammation factors also precede weight gain. In this study, we examined whether inflammation factors are elevated in individuals, age >= 65 years, who lost or gained > 5% weight over a 3 year follow-up period compared to those with stable weight. Subjects: In total, 3254 participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study whose weight was stable; 661 who gained 45% weight; and 842 who lost 45% weight. Measurements: C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, factor VIIIc, white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Results: As compared to participants whose weight was stable, those who lost 45% weight had higher baseline CRP concentration (1.05 (95% CI, 1.02, 1.08) per interquartile increase) and WBC count (1.10 (1.01, 1.19) per interquartile increase) on adjusted analyses. Those who gained 45% weight had higher baseline CRP (1.05 (1.01, 1.08)), fibrinogen (1.13 (1.01, 1.27)), and factor VIIIc (1.15 (1.03, 1.30)). Conclusions: Inflammation factors are associated with weight gain and weight loss in older individuals. These findings suggest that subclinical inflammation, or unknown factors associated with subclinical inflammation, contribute to weight change.