Efficacy and Feasibility of an Intermittent Weight Loss Program.

Excessive levels of body fat are associated with metabolic disturbances predictive of an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CAD). It is presently unclear as to the magnitude of weight loss needed to accrue metabolic benefits. Despite the effectiveness of weight loss to reduce obesity levels, studies have shown that only minor decreases in body weight (5-10%) are needed to clinically improve CAD risk factors. Our data suggested that a 10% reduction in body weight is as effective in improving the metabolic profile as a 20% decrease in body weight. Thus, the question are : " Is it possible to further improve the metabolic profile over that 5-10% weight loss threshold?" and "Could several 5-10% body weight loss (intermittent weight loss approach) have additive effects on the metabolic profile?". We would like to follow-up on these observation to better understand 1) the association between weight loss and improvements in the metabolic profile and 2) why minor decreases in body composition and body fat distribution are as effective as more important reduction.

Inclusion criteria

• Women who had stopped menstruating for more than 1 year
• Waist circumference > 90 cm
• Sedentary (< 2 times a week of structured exercise)
• Non-smokers
• Low to moderate alcohol consumers (< 2 drinks per day).

Exclusion criteria

• We excluded subjects with the following conditions based on medical history and physical examination and on laboratory testing of kidney and liver functions, serum TSH, fasting glucose and lipid profile, and 75g-OGTT
• Cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease or stroke
• Diabetes
• Moderate to severe hypertension (resting blood pressure > 170/100 mm Hg);
• Body weight fluctuation > 5 kg in the previous 6 months
• Thyroid or pituitary disease
• Hormonal replacement therapy at any time during the previous 6 months
• Medication that could affect the metabolic profile