Non-Interventional Weight Changes Are Associated with Alterations in Lipid Profiles and in the Triglyceride-to-HDL Cholesterol Ratio

Abstract

Background: Obesity is associated with dyslipidemia, and weight loss can improve obese patients’ lipid profile. Here, we assessed whether non-interventional weight changes are associated with alterations in lipid profile, particularly the triglyceride (TG)-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (TG/HDL-C). Methods: In this retrospective analysis of subjects referred to medical screening, body mass index (BMI), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), TG, and HDL-C levels were measured annually. Patients were divided according to BMI changes between visits. The primary outcomes were the changes in LDL-C, TG, HDL-C, and the TG/HDL-C ratio between visits. Results: The final analysis included 18,828 subjects. During the year of follow-up, 9.3% of the study population lost more than 5% of their weight and 9.2% gained more than 5% of their weight. The effect of weight changes on TG and on the TG/HDL-C ratio was remarkable. Patients with greater BMI increases showed greater increases in their TG/HDL-C ratio, and conversely, a decreased BMI level had lower TG/HDL-C ratios. This is true even for moderate changes of more than 2.5% in BMI. Conclusions: Non-interventional weight changes, even modest ones, are associated with significant alterations in the lipid profile. Understanding that modest, non-interventional weight changes are associated with alterations in the TG/HDL-C ratio may aid in better risk stratification and primary prevention of CV morbidity and mortality.

Non-Interventional Weight Changes Are Associated with Alterations in Serum Uric Acid Levels

“…Interestingly, we have recently shown that the triglycerides-tohigh-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) is closely associated with minor non-interventional weight changes. Therefore, these data, along with our current findings, further highlight the importance of minor weight changes, as well as triglycerides and serum uric acid, in cardiovascular risk stratification [33,34]. In a multivariable regression analysis, we found that male sex and hypertension, which are traditional cardiovascular risk factors, were also associated with an increase in serum uric acid, further emphasizing the association of serum uric acid with classic metabolic risk factors, as well minor non-interventional weight changes.…”

“…As previously described [33,34], every clinic visit included a completion of a standard questionnaire regarding participants' medical history, any recent medical events since their previous visit, and their demographic characteristics, as well as lifestyle and health-related habits. The weight and height of all subjects, wearing light clothes without shoes, were measured and recorded at each visit.…”