Short-term consumption of a low-fat diet beneficially affects plasma lipid concentrations only when accompanied by weight loss. Hypercholesterolemia, low-fat diet, and plasma lipids.

Abstract

Study subjects (6 women and 5 men) over the age of 40 years with fasting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations >130 mg/dL were studied during three 5-week diet phases and one 10-week phase: baseline (36% fat: 13% saturated fatty acids [SFA], 12% monounsarurated fatty acids [MUFA], 8% polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFA], and 128 mg cholesterol/1000 kcal); reduced fat (29% fat: 7% SFA 9% MUFA 11% PUFA and 85 mg cholesterol/1000 kcal); and two low fat (15% fat: 5% SFA 5% MUFA 3% PUFA and 73 mg cholesterol/1000 kcal). Body weight was maintained during the first three 5-week phases (baseline, reduced fat, and low fat [-• energy]) and decreased during the last 10-week phase when the low-fat diet was provided such that the subjects determined, in part, their caloric intake (low fat [I energy]). Mean body weight declined by 0.62±0.47 kg/wk during the first 5 weeks and 0.43±0.43 kg/wk during the second 5 weeks of the 10-week low-fat (I energy) period. Relative to the baseline diet, plasma cholesterol concentrations decreased from 226±33 to 195 + 19 (-13%), 208±22 (-7%), and 190±19 (-15%) mg/dL when the subjects consumed the reduced-fat, low-fat (-» energy), and low-fat (j energy) diets, respectively. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations decreased T here is general agreement that the fat content of the average diet should be reduced. 1 Reference to such recommendations is not without historical basis. 2 Additionally, the general consensus appears to be that cutting the saturated fat content of the diet imparts the most benefit with respect to lowering plasma cholesterol levels. 35 The optimal level to which the total and saturated fat content in the diet should be reduced is far more controversial. 610 Current National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) dietary recommendations concerning fat are relatively broad: total fat intake s30% and saturated fat intake £10% of calories (step 1) or <.!% (step 2) of calories, depending on initial plasma lipid levels and initial response. 1 Expected reductions in plasma lipid concentrations include declines in both low-density O 1994 American Heart Association, Inc.from 158±28 to 128±16 (-18%), 134±17 (-14%), and 119+15 (-23%) mg/dL when the subjects consumed the reduced-fat, low-fat (-» energy), and low-fat (| energy) diets, respectivery. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations decreased from 48±11 to 42±9 (-10%), 35±7 (-25%), and 38±8 (-18%) mg/dL when the subjects consumed the reduced-fat, low-fat (-» energy), and low-fat (i energy) diets, respectively. Triglyceride concentrations increased from 110+32 to 115±31 (8%), 188±76 (75%), and 130±32 (22%) mg/dL when the subjects consumed the reduced-fat, low-fat (-» energy), and low-fat (j energy) diets, respectively. Maximal changes in plasma lipid concentrations were observed after the first 5 weeks of the low-fat (| energy) diet phase despite continued weight loss throughout the entire 10-week diet period. These data suggest that very-low-fat diets (15% of calories) beneficially affect...

Lipoprotein responses to weight loss and weight maintenance in high-risk obese subjects

“…In our recent report, a 5 -10% weight loss significantly improved serum triglycerides, glucose and insulin whereas total cholesterol did not change after 4 y (Flechtner-Mors et al, 2000). This observation is consistent with other studies of shorter duration that showed minimal sustained reductions in cholesterol with weight loss (Lichtenstein et al, 1994;Weinsier et al, 1992;Pi-Sunyer, 1996). In contrast to the average change in the overall population, Wadden et al (1999) made a clear distinction between the population average and those patients at a high risk as measured by serum total cholesterol.…”

“…Most studies that have shown a relationship between modest weight loss and improvement in lipid parameters is of relatively short duration (Flynn et al, 1999;Lichtenstein et al, 1994). In fact, long-term studies, such as those by Wadden et al, (1999) and Weinser et al (1992) suggest that the lipid-lowering effect of weight loss is not sustainable.…”

Effects of lipoprotein lipase gene variations, a high-carbohydrate low-fat diet, and gender on serum lipid profiles in healthy Chinese Han youth

“…The percentage of palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic fatty acids in relation to total fatty acids as energy intake remained constant for the control diet and HC/LF diet in this study (Table 1). In fact, observations pertaining to the different effects of the fatty acid composition may not be valid for diets with extremely low levels of total fat (28). More importantly, isolating particular nutrients such as different fatty acids is not possible in everyday life, and especially in developing countries such as China.…”

Effect of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Noni (Morinda Citrifolia L.) on Blood Pressure in Ovariectomized Rats Fed With High-Fat Diet

“…These durations are widely used in the atherosclerotic related cholesterol diet researches. 34,35 The present study used the ovariectomized rats to determine the effect of Noni, with Statin as its positive control on blood pressure, body weight and food intake following eight weeks of consumption of high fat diet containing 2% cholesterol. It was found that there was a significant increase in the body weight by the eighth week when compared to the base line values.…”

“…The experiments related to this type of animal models are needed to be carried out for prolonged period (up to 24 weeks) 34,35 in order to achieve the significant outcomes of atherosclerosis or hypertension. Based on the present findings, it is proven that the use of 2% cholesterol diet caused no such significant increase in food intake, body weight and blood pressure in ovariectomized rats over eight weeks (short term period) following ovariectomy.…”