Effect of Weight Loss on Cholesterol Metabolism in Hereditary Hypercholesterolemias and Overweight or Obesity.

Background: Lipid lowering response to weight loss in subjects with genetic hyperlipidemias and overweight or obesity and its effect on cholesterol metabolism has not been studied. Objective: To explore the effects of weight loss on lipid values and cholesterol metabolism, by measuring circulating non-cholesterol sterols, in overweight or obese subjects with genetic hypercholesterolemias. Design: The investigators conducted a 6-months weight loss intervention in subjects with the diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) or familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL), body mass index \>25 kg/m2, steady weight (±3 kg in the last 3 months) and absence of lipid lowering drugs in the previous 5 weeks. They were advised to follow a hypocaloric diet with a deficit of 600 kcal (30% fat, 15% protein, and 55% carbohydrates) per day as calculated from the person's resting energy expenditure and activity level. Anthropometric data, biochemical analysis including lipids, apolipoproteins and non-cholesterol sterols were evaluated at baseline, 3 months and 6 months.