Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and recent involuntary weight gain among asymptomatic female subjects.
BACKGROUND
Serum non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), an easily identifiable atherogenic index, has attracted attention within a clinical meaning different from that of other lipid indexes. The link between body weight gain and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases may be mediated through non-HDL-C. However, there have been few reports examining the independent associations between weight gain and non-HDL-C, over a period of at least 1 year, especially in females.


METHODS
We examined data on 200 asymptomatic Japanese females (mean 49.1 years) with an involuntary weight gain of at least > or = 0.1 kg/m2 as a body mass index (BMI) 1 year after a baseline check-up. At baseline and after the 1-year period, we measured BMI, blood pressure (BP) and blood metabolic variables, including non-HDL-C.


RESULTS
The mean BMI levels rose from 22.9 to 23.5 kg/m2 during this period. Non-HDL-C levels had a significant increase (from 3.87 to 3.93 mmol/L), and a partial correlation test, adjusted for age and all measured metabolic variables, revealed that BMI change was significantly and independently correlated to non-HDL-C levels (r=0.25, p<0.0001), along with systolic BP. The subgroup with an age of <50 years had a clear correlation between BMI change and non-HDL-C levels (r=0.34, p=0.001), contrary to those of > or = 50 years.


CONCLUSIONS
A short-term involuntary weight gain was significantly and independently correlated to an increase in non-HDL-C levels among asymptomatic Japanese females, particularly in relatively young subjects. In achieving a more favorable lipid profile of non-HDL-C, even a modest weight gain may need attention.
Kotani
Kazuhiko
K
Division of Health Administration and Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan. kakotani@grape.med.tottori-u.ac.jp
Shimohiro
Hisashi
H
Adachi
Seiji
S
Sakane
Naoki
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008875:Middle Aged; D013599:Systole; D015430:Weight Gain
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL