RELATIONSHIP OF ADIPOSITY TO SERUM CHOLESTEROL AND LIPOPROTEIN LEVELS AND THEIR MODIFICATION BY DIETARY MEANS

Abstract

A significant relationship was found between adiposity and serum cholesterol levels in 1000 individuals between 30 and 60 yrs. of age. A more highly significant correlation was found between adiposity and Sf 12-20 lipoprotein levels. These correlations were more marked for malcs than for femalcs. 39 patients with coronary artery disease ingested a reducing diet liberal in cholesterol while losing sufficient wt. (19 lbs. avg.) to ensure the metabolism of considerable endogenous fat. This was associated with a significant reduction in Sf 12-20, 20-35 and 35-100 lipoprotein fractions and a less marked reduction in serum cholesterol levels in patients whose initial levels were elevated. In some individuals lipoprotein levels are extremely sensitive and promptly respond to either positive or negative caloric balance, irrespective f dietary fat or cholesterol. If elevated serum lipid levels contribute to the causation of atherosclerosis, then weight reduction is a proper treatment for this disease.