Lipids, lipoproteins, lifestyle, adiposity and fat-free mass during middle age: the Fels Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Introduction: Although lipid profiles tend to worsen with age, it is not fully known if such age-related changes are influenced primarily by body composition and lifestyle or by other aspects of aging. Objective: We investigated the extent to which the fat and fat-free components of body mass index (BMI) and lifestyle factors influence patterns of change in lipids independent of age. Design: Serial data were analyzed using sex-specific longitudinal models. These models use serial data from individuals to assume a general pattern of change over time, while allowing baseline age and the rate of change to vary among individuals. Subjects: Serial data were obtained from 940 examinations of 269 healthy white participants (126 men, 143 women), aged 40-60 years, in the Fels Longitudinal Study. Measurements: Measurements included age, the fat (FMI) and fat-free mass (FFMI) components of BMI, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), fasting glucose and insulin, physical activity, alcohol use and smoking, and women's menopausal status and estrogen use. Results: In both sexes, increased FMI was significantly associated with increased LDL-C, TG and TC, and decreased HDL-C. Increased FFMI was significantly related to decreased HDL-C and increased TG. Independent age effects remained significant only for LDL-C and TC in men and TC in women. Increased insulin was significantly related to increased TG in women. Moderate alcohol consumption was associated with higher HDL-C in men. Physical activity lowered male LDL-C and TC levels, and increased female HDL-C levels. Menopause was associated with increases in LDL-C. Premenopausal women not using estrogen had significantly lower HDL-C, TG, and TC than postmenopausal women taking estrogen. Conclusions: (1) Age is an important independent predictor for LDL-C and TC in men, and TC in women, but it is not as influential as body composition and lifestyle on HDL-C and TG in men and women, and LDL-C in women. (2) Increasing FMI is the major contributor to elevated TC, LDL-C and TG levels, and decreased HDL-C levels in men and women. (3) FFMI significantly influences HDL and TG levels in both sexes. (4) Maintaining a lower BMI via a reduced fat component may be more beneficial in lowering CVD risks than other factors.

Comparing the body mass index, blood pressure and blood biochemical changes during Ramadan between high to moderate level and low level physical activity groups prior to Ramadan among overweight and obese working women

“…The low HDL-C level was expected as respondents were among those who are overweight and obese and studies have shown that HDL-C has an inverse correlation with BMI. 11,12 Studies have shown that those with higher level of physical activity would have lower TC, LDL-C, TG and FBS, but higher HDL-C, however in this study the only significant differences between the two groups at baseline was for TG (i.e. TG was significantly lower in the 'high to moderate level' physical activity group compared to 'low level' physical activity group).…”

Indices of fatness and relationships with age, ethnicity and lipids in New Zealand European, Māori and Pacific children

“…The relationship between HDL cholesterol and BMI is accounted for by FFMI. In a longitudinal study (Schubert et al, 2006) of adults, increase in FFMI without accompanying decrease in FMI was associated with a decrease in HDL cholesterol. In the growing child the relationship of changes in FMI and FFMI with lipid profile needs to be further explored.…”

Independent Association between Age at Natural Menopause and Hypercholesterolemia, Hypertension, and Diabetes Mellitus: Japan Nurses^|^rsquo; Health Study

“…Associations between menopause or AAM and CRF could be largely confounded by chronological age [8][9][10][11] and daily lifestyle, such as body weight, smoking, alcohol consumption, or physical activity [10][11][12] . Chronological age and lifestyle are recognized as influential factors on CRF 1,13) and are mutually correlated 14,15) .…”