Efficacy and Feasibility of an Intermittent Weight Loss Program.

Excessive levels of body fat are associated with metabolic disturbances predictive of an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CAD). It is presently unclear as to the magnitude of weight loss needed to accrue metabolic benefits. Despite the effectiveness of weight loss to reduce obesity levels, studies have shown that only minor decreases in body weight (5-10%) are needed to clinically improve CAD risk factors. Our data suggested that a 10% reduction in body weight is as effective in improving the metabolic profile as a 20% decrease in body weight. Thus, the question are : " Is it possible to further improve the metabolic profile over that 5-10% weight loss threshold?" and "Could several 5-10% body weight loss (intermittent weight loss approach) have additive effects on the metabolic profile?". We would like to follow-up on these observation to better understand 1) the association between weight loss and improvements in the metabolic profile and 2) why minor decreases in body composition and body fat distribution are as effective as more important reduction.