Serum lipoprotein subfractions before and during low-calorie diet in obese women

Twenty-five obese women were put on low-calorie diet for one month. The mean weight loss was 2.7 kg and was accompanied by a 9% decrease of LDL-cholesterol. LDL-apolipoprotein B (in 13 subjects) showed a 16% fall and LDL-triglyceride levels did not change. The results suggest both a decrease of LDL concentration and a relative increase of triglyceride-rich particles in the density range of 1.006-1.063. HDL2-cholesterol showed a 17% decrease and HDL3-cholesterol a 16% increase. Total and lipoprotein triglycerides were not modified. The changes of lipoprotein pattern suggest a sluggish VLDL catabolism by lipoprotein lipase. In 10 women followed for 6 months the decrease of LDL-cholesterol seen after one month of diet was no more present at the 6th month, while the decrease of HDL2-cholesterol and the increase of HDL3-cholesterol were still evident. At the end of the 6th month a slight but significant decrease of total and VLDL-triglycerides also occurred.