Effects of serum leptin on the effectiveness of weight loss

The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation of serum leptin concentration with the effectiveness of weight loss. Eighteen subjects (four males and fourteen females) were provided with 1200 kcal/day (CHO, 55%; fat, 20%; and protein, 25%) commercial packages were used to replace two meals for 8 weeks; and patients were followed-up for 3 months. Subjects were aged 39 ± 1.7 years, with an initial body weight of 73.0 ± 2.4 kg, body mass index (BMI) of 28.2 ± 0.8 kg/m², and body fat mass percentage of 33.1% ± 1.5%. After 4 weeks in the weight loss program, the average weight loss was 2.6 kg. Body weight, fat mass, muscle mass, BMI, total body water, protein weight, basal metabolic rate (BMR), and body fat percentage all significantly decreased (p<0.05). After 8 weeks of the weight loss program, the average weight loss was 3.9 kg. Body weight, fat mass, muscle mass, BMI, total body water, protein weight, RMR, body fat percentage, and waist-hip ratio all significantly decreased (p<0.05). At the 3-month follow-up, the average weight loss regained was 1.1 kg, and the weight, fat mass, BMI, and waist-hip ratio had significantly increased (p<0.05). The 4- and 8-week weight changes were significantly positively correlated with the baseline leptin concentration and baseline leptin/BMI ratio. Therefore, during the weight loss program, subjects who lost more weight had higher baseline leptin concentrations, and leptin concentration changes predicted subsequent weight loss.