Original Article

International Journal of Obesity (2008) 32, 315–321; doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803739; published online 30 October 2007

Weight fluctuations and risk for metabolic syndrome in an adult cohort

A-C Vergnaud1, S Bertrais1, J-M Oppert2, L Maillard-Teyssier1, P Galan1, S Hercberg1,3 and S Czernichow1,3

  1. 1Nutritional Epidemiology Unit, UMR U557 INSERM, U1125 INRA, CNAM, Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine Ile-de-France, Bobigny, France
  2. 2Nutrition Department, Pitié-Salpétrière Hospital (AP-HP), Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6 University, Paris, France
  3. 3Public Health Department, Avicenne Hospital (AP-HP), Paris 13 University, Bobigny, France

Correspondence: Dr S Czernichow, Nutritional Epidemiology Unit, UMR U557 INSERM, U1125 INRA, CNAM, Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine Ile-de-France, Paris 13, 74 rue marcel cachin, CRNH-IdF, Bobigny, Paris, France. E-mail: s.czernichow@uren.smbh.univ-paris13.fr

Received 14 February 2007; Revised 22 May 2007; Accepted 13 August 2007; Published online 30 October 2007.

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Abstract

Objective:

 

Weight gain is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome (MS). However, it is not known whether weight fluctuations (WF) have a deleterious effect upon MS risk. In the present study, we investigated this association in subjects participating in the SU.VI.MAX cohort.

Methods:

 

MS status was assessed at baseline (1994/1995) and at the end of follow-up (2001/2002) using the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. WF were estimated with four weight measures during follow-up. Odds ratio (OR, 95% confidence interval (CI)) for incident MS cases was evaluated according to four WF groups (no WF and tertiles of WF) in 3553 middle-aged subjects.

Results:

 

The OR (95% CI) for MS was 2.06 (1.20–3.52) for the third WF tertile compared to the first tertile. This association was independent of confounding variables, especially relative weight change during follow-up. Subjects without WF had a 2.72-fold increase (1.64–4.53) for MS risk compared to the first tertile of WF. For MS components taken separately, similar associations were found for raised blood pressure, low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and increased waist circumference.

Conclusion:

 

Our results showed that WF was an independent risk factor for MS after 7 years of follow-up. Moreover, subjects without WF were also at risk for MS, due to the highest weight gain during follow-up. These results support the benefits of weight stability and emphasize the importance of weight gain prevention starting from early adulthood.

Keywords:

weight fluctuation, metabolic syndrome, cohort study

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