Nutritional management of lipids for overweight and obesity: What can we achieve?

Abstract

Overweight and obesity are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Many cardiovascular disease risk factors are elevated in overweight and obese individuals, including dyslipidemia and inflammation, among others. Current dietary recommendations focus on achieving a healthy body weight and lowering intake of trans and saturated fat, and cholesterol to reduce total cholesterol and LDL-C. Recent advances in our knowledge of lipid responses to specific macronutrient(s) means that it is now possible to individualize diet 'prescriptions' on the basis of the presenting clinical lipid/ lipoprotein profile. However, these diets may be less effective in overweight, obese individuals who are 'inflamed' and insulin resistant. Consequently, there is great interest in identifying strategies for decreasing inflammation and increasing insulin sensitivity to realize the full benefits of a blood cholesterol-lowering diet in overweight or obese individuals. © 2008 Future Medicine Ltd.