Impact of body weight and weight loss on cardiovascular risk factors.

Overwieght and obesity are classified as a major risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). An increase in the body mass index is associated with adverse changes in the plasma lipid and lipoprotein profile resulting in elevated total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein levels. An android pattern of obesity is associated with a more deleterious plasma lipoprotein profile as well as hypertension and insulin resistance, resulting in an even greater increase in CVD risk. Weight loss through caloric restriction improves the plasma lipoprotein profile. A Step-1 diet plus exercise confer even greater benefits.