Weight loss favorably modifies anthropometrics and reverses the metabolic syndrome in premenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of a weight loss program, including dietary modifications, increased physical activity and dietary supplement (L-carnitine or placebo) on anthropometrics, leptin, insulin, the metabolic syndrome (MS) and insulin resistance in overweight /obese premenopausal women.


METHODS
Participants consumed a hypocaloric diet; 30% protein, 30% fat and 40% carbohydrate in addition to increasing number of steps/day. Carnitine supplementation followed a randomized double blind protocol. Protocol lasted for 10 weeks. Seventy subjects (35 in the control and 35 in the carnitine group) completed the intervention. Anthropometrics, plasma insulin and leptin concentrations and body composition were measured. The number of subjects with the MetSyn and insulin resistance, were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.


RESULTS
Because there were no significant differences between the carnitine and the placebo groups for all measured parameters, participants were grouped together for all analysis. Subjects decreased total energy (-26.6%, p < 0.01) and energy from carbohydrate (-17.3%, p < 0.01) and increased energy from protein by 67% (p < 0.01) and number of steps/day (42.6%, p < 0.01). Body weight (-4.6%, p < 0.001), body mass index (-4.5%, p < 0.01), waist circumference (-6.5%, p < 0.01), total fat mass (-1.7%, p < 0.01), trunk fat mass (-2.0%, p < 0.01), insulin (- 17.9%, p < 0.01) and leptin (-5.9%, p < 0.05) decreased after the intervention. Ten of 19 participants with insulin resistance became insulin sensitive and 7 of 8 participants with the MetSyn no longer had the syndrome after the intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Moderate increases in physical activity and a hypocaloric/high protein diet resulted in multiple beneficial effects on body anthropometrics and insulin sensitivity. Realistic dietary and physical activity goals must be the focus of intervention strategies for overweight and obese individuals.
Lofgren
Ingrid E
IE
University of Connecticut, Department of Nutritional Sciences 3624 Horsebarn Road Extension, U 4017, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
Herron
Kristin L
KL
West
Kristy L
KL
Zern
Tosca L
TL
Brownbill
Rhonda A
RA
Ilich
Jasminka Z
JZ
Koo
Sung I
SI
Fernandez
Maria Luz
ML
D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D002331:Carnitine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000652:urine; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism*; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy*; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy*; D017697:Premenopause; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000652:urine; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology*
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D007328:Insulin; D020738:Leptin; D008055:Lipids; D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D002331:Carnitine