Relationships between weight change and blood lipids in men and women: 'the Adelaide 1000'

Relationships between changes in weight and blood lipids were examined in 655 subjects who had enrolled for a fitness programme. At entry data were obtained on weight, fitness, lipids, physical activity, diet, and smoking. On re-examination 2 years later approximately half the sample had maintained stable weight (+/- 2 kg), a quarter had lost (- greater than 2 kg), and a quarter had gained weight (+ greater than 2 kg). Analyses of weight change/lipid change relationships included comparisons of lipid changes in weight 'stable', 'losers', and 'gainers' groups, and multiple regression analyses controlling for the effects of age, diet, and fitness. It was found that changes in weight and lipids were significantly related, the relationship was stronger than between any other independent variable and changes in lipids, and it was stronger for men than for women. It was concluded that there is an independent cause and effect relationship between weight and lipids to an extent useful for clinical and public health purposes.