Weight loss and plasma lipids

Although weight loss is associated with improvements in the plasma lipid pr ofile, factors other than weight loss per se are involved. Energy restricti on resulting in even modest weight loss suppresses endogenous cholesterol s ynthesis, which contributes to observed decline in circulating lipid concen trations. Whether individuals have stabilized weight or are still actively losing weight affects the magnitude of LDL cholesterol reduction as well as the direction of HDL cholesterol change. Hence, it is important to conside r the timing of lipid measurements in the interpretation of the plasma lipi d response to weight loss. Another important factor is the dietary composit ion of the weight loss strategy, with evidence that dietary far, acid profi le and amount can differentially influence the lipid response similar to th at observed in energy balance studies. Other issues such as gender, and exe rcise during weight loss are also relevant. However, whether the lipid chan ges that are observed in the short term are sustained in the long term and whether the manner of weight loss has any impact on long-term outcomes rema ins to be determined. Curr Opin Lipidol 11:65-70. (C) 2000 Lippincott Willi ams & Wilkins.