Lifestyle changes including exercise training in overweight and obese adults decreased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and contributed to weight loss.

According to recent research from the United States, “High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We analyzed the effects of lifestyle modifications including exercise training on hs-CRP in 47 overweight and obese adults. Subjects were divided into a lifestyle modification group (n=23) (exercise and diet instruction) and a control group (n= 24) who did not participate in any lifestyle modification.”

S.Y. Jae and colleagues at the University of Illinois found, “After 3 months, body weight (80.8(plusminus)11.5 to 73.5(plusminus)10.7 kg, p<0.01), total cholesterol (217 (plusminus)38.4 to 178.0(plusminus)25.6 mg/dL, p<0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (151.3(plusminus)34.9 to 116.7(plusminus)27.8 mg/dL, p<0.01), Vo[2]peak (30.3(plusminus) 5.1 to 37.1(plusminus)6.9 mL/[kg*min], p<0.01), and log hs-CRP (0.75(plusminus)0.4 to 0.56 (plusminus)0.3 mg/dL, p=0.01) were significantly improved in the lifestyle modification group, but there was no significant improvement in the control group.

“Changes in log hs-CRP were associated with changes in Vo[2]peak (r=-0.41, p= 0.004) and changes in weight loss (r=0.42, p=0.004). In stepwise multiple regression analysis, weight loss (p=0.034) and improved Vo[2]peak (p=0.039) were independent predictors of the changes in hs-CRP. When grouped into quartiles according to decreasing weight and increasing Vo[2]peak, levels of changes in log hs-CRP improved across quartiles of weight loss (p<0.05) and improved Vo[2]peak (p<0.01).”

The researchers concluded, “lifestyle changes including regular exercise training in overweight and obese adults decreased hs-CRP, and this was associated with weight loss and improved Vo[2]peak.”

Jae and colleagues published their study in Metabolism - Clinical and Experimental (Effects of lifestyle modifications on C-reactive protein: contribution of weight loss and improved aerobic capacity. Metabolism, 2006;55(6):825-831).

For additional information, contact B. Fernhall, University of Illinois, College Applied Life Studies, Champaign, IL 61820, USA.

Publisher contact information for the journal Metabolism - Clinical and Experimental is: W B Saunders Co-Elsevier Inc., Independence Square West Curtis Center, Ste. 300, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3399, USA.