Weight loss and low-intensity exercise for the treatment of metabolic syndrome in obese postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) approaches 50% in postmenopausal women. This study examines the efficacy of lifestyle modification for the treatment of MetSyn and its associated risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes in this population. METHODS: This prospective controlled study examines the effects of a 6-month weight loss and low-intensity exercise program (WL+LEX) on body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and abdominal computed tomography scans), fasting glucose and lipid levels, cytokines, and blood pressure in postmenopausal women with and without MetSyn. RESULTS: WL+LEX reduced body weight (MetSyn: -5% vs non-MetSyn: -7%) and fat mass (-11% vs -15%) and increased VO(2max) (+2% vs +3%) in both MetSyn (N = 35) and non-MetSyn (N = 41) groups. Constituents of MetSyn decreased comparably in both groups. Fifteen (45%) MetSyn participants responded (R) by converting to non-MetSyn, 18 remained MetSyn (NR), and 2 had missing data. Reduction in fat mass (-15% vs -8%, p = .02) was greater in R than NR, but there were no between-group differences in changes in VO(2max), cytokines, or other variables. The decrease in the number of MetSyn criteria was greater in R than in NR (-27 vs -13, p < .0001) due to decreases in blood pressure (p < .01), glucose (p = .02), and with a trend for triglyceride (p = .07). Reductions in fat mass best predicted resolution of MetSyn (p = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Women who lose more fat are more likely to lower blood pressure, glucose, and triglyceride levels to resolve MetSyn. Thus, a WL+LEX program effectively treats postmenopausal women with MetSyn.