Long-term weight control study VII (weeks 0 to 210): Serum lipid changes

We analyzed serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein profile changes occurring in the participants (N = 121) through 210 weeks of the study. On average, baseline lipid levels were within normal limits. The most consistent changes occurred in the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), serum total cholesterol/HDL-C ratios, and triglyceride levels. HDL-C increased significantly (p < 0.01), compared with baseline, by 10% at week 34, 15% at week 54, 19% at week 104, and 27% at week 139. At week 210, 20 weeks after treatment had ended, HDL-C was 15% higher than baseline. At weeks 34, 54, 104, and 139, the serum total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio was significantly decreased, compared with baseline, by 9%, 19%, 17%, and 25%, respectively. At week 210, serum total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio was 8% less than week 0. Compared with baseline, triglyceride levels decreased significantly by 21%, 31%, 29%, and 29% at weeks 34, 54, 104, and 139, respectively. At week 210, triglyceride levels were 16% below baseline. Total cholesterol levels and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) showed less dramatic changes. Patterns of lipid and lipoprotein changes were qualitatively similar between men and women. However, greater decreases in serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride levels were observed in participants with high (n = 10) compared with low (n = 10) baseline lipid levels. Cholesterol changes were not affected by anorexiant medications. However, triglyceride levels at week 34 were significantly (p < 0.025) less in the participants treated with anorexiants. Overall, participants in the long-term weight control study had beneficial changes in their lipid profiles, thus decreasing their risk of coronary heart disease.