Effects of a Lifestyle Program on Risks for Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a weight reduction lifestyle program on risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women. Materials and Methods: The present study was a pilot clinical trial designed to test the effects of a weight reduction lifestyle program on risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women. Obese and overweight women were recruited from April 2006 to November 2006. The data collected included age, body weight, body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference, hip circumference, serum lipid profile, as well as levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and homocysteine. The subjects underwent a 3-month lifestyle program, including diet education, balanced diet with caloric restriction of 1,200 kcal/day, aerobic exercise (1 hour) twice weekly and jogging for at least 10,000 steps daily. Physical examination and blood tests were performed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Results: A total of 29 subjects were included in the present study. Significant reductions were observed in body weight, BMI, abdominal circumference, hip circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting insulin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. No significant differences were observed in the levels of fasting sugar, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or homocysteine. Conclusion: An appropriate weight reduction lifestyle program may effectively reduce body weight and decrease most of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Keywords

• cardiovascular diseases
• exercise
• risk factors
• Taiwan
• weight loss