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Weight-loss Dieting Lowers Inflammation, Could Lower Disease Risk
A growing number of research studies point to chronic inflammation in the body as a risk factor for several diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, and for death. A recent study looked at the effects of weight-loss dieting and physical activity on inflammation. It found that eating to lose weight decreased inflammation.
Inflammation can be detected by measuring levels of certain substances in the blood. Researchers measured levels of these inflammatory biomarkers in subjects before, during, and after study participation. Subjects included 316 overweight or obese sedentary men and women over the age of 60. All subjects had osteoarthritis of the knee, which confirmed that inflammation was present in their bodies.
Men and women participating in the study were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups for 18 months. The dietary weight-loss group tried to achieve and maintain a weight loss of 5 percent of body weight. Subjects were educated about how to eat fewer calories through a balanced, low-fat, nutritious diet. Help with goal setting and problem solving was also provided.
The exercise group worked out 3 days a week for 45 minutes and did a combination of aerobic and resistance training.
Participants in the dietary weight-loss and exercise group received the same nutrition education and support as subjects in the weight-loss group. They also participated in aerobic and resistance physical activities 3 days a week.
The control group met monthly to discuss topics relating to general health, including osteoarthritis, obesity, and physical activity.
Results showed that eating fewer calories had the greatest effect on lowering levels of inflammatory biomarkers in the body. Subjects in the weight-loss group showed decreased concentrations of c-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 1. Even when weight loss was not achieved, eating fewer calories still lowered levels of some biomarkers.
Contrary to several earlier studies, results showed that exercise did not have a significant effect on inflammatory biomarkers, and working out did not enhance the effects that weight loss dieting had on inflammation. The study authors recommend further research in this area.
The full report, “Diet-induced weight loss, exercise, and chronic inflammation in older, obese adults: a randomized controlled clinical trial” appears in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004;79:544-51).
Source: National Institutes of Health
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