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Weight loss, inflammatory markers, and improvements of iron status in overweight and obese children.
Gong, L, Yuan, F, Teng, J, Li, X, Zheng, S, Lin, L, Deng, H, Ma, G, Sun, C, Li, Y
The Journal of pediatrics. 2014;(4):795-800.e2
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of a weight-loss program on improving iron status in overweight and obese school-aged children. STUDY DESIGN The data were analyzed in overweight and obese children (7-11 years of age; 114 girls and 212 boys) with body mass index-for-age z-scores (BAZ) >1 from a weight-loss program. Schools were randomly divided into 2 groups: intervention and control. Children in the intervention group underwent a 1-year, nutrition-based comprehensive intervention weight-loss program. Anthropometric, dietary intake, and physical activity data were collected at baseline and follow-up (1 year). Iron status and inflammatory markers were assessed within a month. RESULTS In the intervention group, BAZ decreased more than that in the control group (-0.4 ± 0.7 vs -0.1 ± 0.6, P < .0001); and iron profiles and inflammation status were improved at follow-up. In multivariable linear regression models, a greater decrease of BAZ and inflammation factors predicted a better improvement of iron status. After adjustment of ΔBAZ, ΔC-reactive protein was significantly associated with Δserum ferritin (β: 1.89; 95% CI, 0.70-3.09; P = .002) and Δsoluble transferrin receptor (β: 0.88; 95% CI, 0.16-0.59; P = .017); Δinterleukin-6 was significantly associated with Δserum ferritin (β: 1.22; 95% CI, 0.64-1.79; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Iron status and inflammation were improved by weight reduction. The improvement in inflammatory markers during weight reduction was independently associated with improvements of iron status.