Longitudinal changes in C-reactive protein, proform of eosinophil major basic protein, and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A during weight changes in obese children

The effect of weight regain on cardiometabolic health in children with obesity: A systematic review of clinical studies

AIMS

Children with obesity are treated by a lifestyle intervention to obtain weight loss. Nevertheless, weight regain often occurs. This systematic review examines the effect of weight regain on cardiometabolic health and summarizes these results in the metabolic syndrome prevalence as integrated endpoint.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A literature search was performed in PubMed and Web of Science. Studies were selected if they included participants aged <18 years with obesity and presented data before and after weight loss and after weight regain hereby reporting minimally 1 cardiovascular risk factor at every assessment. After screening, nine articles remained. Generally, the diastolic BP re-increased after weight regain, whereas for systolic BP a sustained result for 6 months was reported with an increase during longer follow-up. No significant changes in fasting glucose were reported after weight regain compared to baseline. Regarding triglycerides, a complete weight regain re-increased the lowered values to baseline, whereas a partial regain resulted in a sustained decrease in triglycerides in 2 studies and an increase to intermediate levels in 1 paper. HDL-cholesterol only rose several months after initiating treatment. Hs-CRP remained lowered for a longer period than the moment where the weight loss nadir was achieved.

CONCLUSION

Research on weight regain and cardiometabolic health in children with obesity is scarce. No convincing evidence was found for a worsening of the cardiometabolic profile after weight regain. Some benefits even persisted despite weight recovery. Subsequently, the metabolic syndrome prevalence seems temporarily lowered after weight loss, despite weight regain.

Impact of a group-based treatment program on adipocytokines, oxidative status, inflammatory cytokines and arterial stiffness in obese children and adolescents

Background Dysregulation of adipocytokines, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress are associated with the pathogenesis of obesity-related complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a group-based lifestyle modification program on adipocytokines, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative status and arterial stiffness in obese youth. Methods A 1-year weight-reduction program was conducted. The program consisted of initial hospitalization and five outpatient group-based sessions held at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 9 months. Pre- and post-intervention measurements included anthropometric data, blood tests, body composition and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV). Results A total of 126 obese youths were recruited, and 115 of those completed the study. Twenty-four participants had increased percentage weight for height at the end of the study (group A), 30 had minimal reduction (group B) and 61 had substantial reduction (group C). Lean mass significantly increased in all three groups (all p<0.001). A significant decrease in leptin (group A, p=0.021; group B, p=0.005; group C, p<0.001), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (group A, p=0.019; group B, p=0.004; group C, p<0.001) and ba-PWV (group A, p=0.031; group B, p=0.015; group C, p<0.001) was also observed. No significant change in the oxidative status was found among the groups. Reduction in ba-PWV was correlated with decreases in plasma malondialdehyde (pMDA) (r=0.233, p=0.036) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (r=0.253, p=0.025). Conclusions A group-based healthy lifestyle program for obese youths had beneficial effects on adipocytokines, inflammatory cytokines and arterial stiffness. Participants without change in weight status also benefited. These improvements may reduce the risk of obese youths developing atherosclerosis.