Does Metabolic Syndrome hamper weight loss efforts?

This study would indicate that, if anything, it helps (??Say what!!??)


Does the Presence of Metabolic Syndome Influence Weight Loss in Obese and Overweight Women? (PDF full text free until end of the month)

Background: It is known that weight loss is benefi cial for obese and overweight subjects with metabolic syndrome. Very few data exist, however, about whether the presence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance (IR) infl uence the response of these subjects to weight-reducing interventions. The current study intends to examine whether the presence of metabolic syndrome and its components could infl uence weight loss in obese and overweight women during a short-term, dietary-based intervention program.

Methods: A total of 107 women aged 49.1 ± 13.5 years old, with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 were studied. The subjects were prescribed a low-fat diet plus weight-reducing drugs when necessary.

Results: After 3 months, the subjects with metabolic syndrome lost more weight than those without (6.62% vs. 4.50%; P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the percentage of weight loss and the number of the components of metabolic syndrome present at baseline (Spearman ρ = 0.329; P < 0.01). Furthermore, patients in the quartile with the highest homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA-index) lost more weight than the remaining subjects (8.17% ± 3.34 vs. 5.59% ± 3.87; P < 0.05). These results were signifi cant, even after adjustment for the medical treatment prescribed.

Conclusions: Obese and overweight patients with metabolic syndrome showed a greater reduction of their body weight, compared to the patients without metabolic syndrome. The components of the metabolic syndrome present at baseline correlated positively with the percentage of the weight loss. Finally, the patients with the highest levels of HOMA-index at baseline lost significantly more weight than those with lower levels of this parameter.

I find this somewhat surprising.  It would seemingly go counter to what one expects given the effectiveness of low carb diets and how an even higher fat lower carb/protein version (e.g. fat fast, Silver Cloud Diet) is usually advocated for the more hyperinsulinemic.  This study looked at a low fat diet.  One would also think that if insulin resistance (which is the underlying factor in metabolic syndrome) causes obesity then the obese/overweight with IR should have greater difficulty losing weight.  

Things that make you go hmmmmmm.