The effect of weight loss on C-reactive protein: a systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Several studies suggest that weight loss reduces C-reactive protein (CRP) level; however, the consistency and magnitude of this effect has not been well characterized. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that weight loss is directly related to a decline in CRP level.


METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and MEDLINE databases and conducted hand searches and reviews of bibliographies to identify relevant weight loss intervention studies.


METHODS
We included all weight loss intervention studies that had at least 1 arm that was a surgical, lifestyle, dietary, and/or exercise intervention. Abstracts were independently selected by 2 reviewers.


METHODS
Two reviewers independently abstracted data on the characteristics of each study population, weight loss intervention, and change in weight and CRP level from each arm of all included studies.


RESULTS
We analyzed the mean change in CRP level (milligrams per liter) and the mean weight change (kilograms), comparing the preintervention and postintervention values from each arm of 33 included studies using graphical displays of these data and weighted regression analyses to quantify the association.


RESULTS
Weight loss was associated with a decline in CRP level. Across all studies (lifestyle and surgical interventions), we found that for each 1 kg of weight loss, the mean change in CRP level was -0.13 mg/L (weighted Pearson correlation, r = 0.85). The weighted correlation for weight and change in CRP level in the lifestyle interventions alone was 0.30 (slope, 0.06). The association appeared roughly linear.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that weight loss may be an effective nonpharmacologic strategy for lowering CRP level.
Selvin
Elizabeth
E
Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. lselvin@jhsph.edu
Paynter
Nina P
NP
Erlinger
Thomas P
TP
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology*
D015415:Biomarkers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein