Lipid profile response to weight loss program in overweight and obese patient is related with gender and age

The risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases with age, however CVD is markedly higher in men than in no-menopausal women. There are few interventions where compare the different effects to lose weight on lipid profile between men and women.

The aim of this study was to compare the response on the lipid profile by gender after a weight loss program, and determine whether there are differences by age group.

One hundred eighty (96 women and 84 men) overweight and obese participants (BMI 25-34.9 kg/m2) aged 18-50 years were randomised into treatment groups. The intervention period was 22 weeks (in all cases 3 times/wk of training for 22 weeks and 2 weeks for pre and post evaluation). All subjects followed a hypocaloric diet (25-30% less energy intake). Energy intake, body composition) and blood lipid profile were recorded at baseline and after of treatment.

The response of HDL varied between men and women (p = 0.001). While in women it decreased (HDL: -2.94%, p = 0.02), HDL was elevated in men (HDL: 5% p = 0.02). After intervention men achieved decrease significantly LDL values a 6.65% more than women (p = 0.01). For TG concentrations there were significant differences between men and women in baseline however, only men had a significant chance in post-training measured (p = 0.001). TC showed significant differences between men and women in baseline (p = 0.013). After intervention, men and women showed a significant decreased to TC (p = 0.01).

Men achieve a positive greater change on lipid profile than women. In addition, the favorable lipid profile response decreases with increasing age.