Subcutaneous adipose tissue layers as a stable correlate of leptin in response to short term energy restriction in obese girls

Abstract

AIMS: We studied the relationship of subcutaneous adipose tissue layers (SAT-layers) measured at 15 specified body sites with leptin before and after a weight loss program for three weeks.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In 70 obese girls, SAT-layers were measured by means of the optical device, lipometer. Fat mass (FM) was estimated by means of bioelectrical impedance.

RESULTS: At the beginning of the study, all estimates of adiposity, insulin, and SAT-layers from the upper body (from 1–neck to 6–lateral chest) were correlated to leptin at a P-value of<0.0001. Percentage FM together with SAT-layer 4–upper back and insulin explained 75% of the variation in leptin (P<0.0001). After three weeks, estimates of adiposity and leptin were reduced (all P<0.0001). Most SAT-layers were reduced, but SAT-layers 8–lower abdomen and 9–lower back were significantly increased. Changes in leptin were best explained by initial leptin, but percentage change (Δ) in insulin, Δ SAT-layer 1–neck, and Δ SAT-layer 3–biceps contributed to the Δ leptin (adj. r²=0.47, P<0.0001). In the weight-reduced state, circulating leptin was best explained by three SAT-layers and insulin (adj. r²=0.67, P<0.0001).

DISCUSSION: The results suggest that Δ changes in leptin are attributable to changes in the endocrine state and subcutaneous fat, and SAT-layers may serve as a stable correlate of leptin in the weight-reduced state.