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Changes in 24-h area-under-the-curve ghrelin values following diet-induced weight loss are associated with loss of fat-free mass, but not with changes in fat mass, insulin levels or insulin sensitivity

International Journal of Obesity volume 31, pages 385–389 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

To determine which parameters of body composition or metabolism best correlate with changes in 24 h ghrelin levels following weight loss.

Design:

A 3-month low-calorie diet followed by 3 months of weight stabilization.

Subjects:

Twelve overweight and obese adult men and women.

Measurements:

Body composition by underwater weighing, abdominal fat depots, leptin, ghrelin and parameters of insulin and lipid metabolism.

Results:

Increased 24 h ghrelin levels after weight loss correlated with decreases in body mass index, subcutaneous fat and fat-free mass (FFM), but not with changes in fat mass, fat cell size, leptin, insulin, insulin sensitivity, lipids or free fatty acid levels. The change in FFM correlated with the rise in ghrelin levels independently of body adiposity.

Discussion:

Alterations in FFM with diet-induced weight loss may play a role in ghrelin regulation. Changes in ghrelin levels could, then, serve as an integrative signal reflecting changes in FFM to hypothalamic centers controlling energy homeostasis.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the following grants and institutions: NIH K23 DK02689 (JQP), NIH General Clinical Research Center Grants MO1RR00037 and M01RR00334, NIH RO1 DK55460 and K24 DK02860 (DSW), a Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award and Andrew W Mellon Foundation Grants 80-1519 (DEC), R01 DK 61516 (DEC), NIH P3ODK17047 (Diabetes Endocrine Research Center grant) and by the Medical Research Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Center for the Study of Weight Regulation and Associated Disorders, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA

    J Q Purnell

  2. VA Puget Sound Health Care System, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

    D Cummings

  3. Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA

    D S Weigle

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  1. J Q Purnell
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  2. D Cummings
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  3. D S Weigle
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Correspondence to J Q Purnell.

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Purnell, J., Cummings, D. & Weigle, D. Changes in 24-h area-under-the-curve ghrelin values following diet-induced weight loss are associated with loss of fat-free mass, but not with changes in fat mass, insulin levels or insulin sensitivity. Int J Obes 31, 385–389 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803401

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