Martins C, S N, Sr C, Jf R, Hunter GR, Gower BA. Association between fat-free mass loss, changes in appetite and weight regain in individuals with obesity.
J Nutr 2023;
153:1330-1337. [PMID:
36963504 DOI:
10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.03.026]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The role of fat-free mass loss (FFML) in modulating weight regain, in individuals with obesity, as well as the potential mechanisms involved, remain inconsistent.
AIMS
To determine if % FFML following weight loss (WL) is a predictor of weight regain, and to investigate the association between %FFML and changes in appetite markers.
METHODS
Seventy individuals with obesity (BMI: 36±4kg/m2; age: 44±9 years; 29 males) underwent 8 weeks of a very low-energy diet (550-660 kcal/day), followed by 4 weeks of gradual refeeding and weight stabilization, and a 9-month maintenance program (eucaloric diet). Body weight and body composition (fat mass (FM) and FFM) (primary outcomes), as well as ß-hydroxybutyrate (ßHB) plasma concentration (a marker of ketosis) in fasting and appetite-related hormones (ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1, peptide YY, and cholecystokinin) and subjective appetite feelings, in fasting and every 30 minutes after a fixed breakfast for 2.5h (secondary outcomes), were measured at baseline, week 9 and 1 year (and week 13 in 35 subjects (25 males)). The association between FFML, weight regain and changes in appetite was assessed by linear regression.
RESULTS
WL at week 9 was 17.5±4.3kg and %FFML 20.4±10.6%. Weight regain at 1 year was 1.7±8.2kg (8.8±45.0%). After adjusting for WL and FM at baseline, %FFML at week 9 was not a significant predictor of weight regain. Similar results were seen at week 13. The greater the %FFML at week 9, but not 13, the smaller the reduction, or greater the increase in basal ghrelin concentration (ß:-3.2; 95% CI: -5.0, -1.1; P=0.003), even after adjusting for WL and ß-hydroxybutyrate.
CONCLUSION
%FFML was not a significant predictor of weight regain at 1-year in individuals with obesity. However, a greater %FFML was accompanied by a greater increase in ghrelin secretion under ketogenic conditions, suggesting a link between FFM and appetite regulation.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01834859.
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