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Blood lipid linked to body-fat disorder

Men's Fitness, Jan, 2003

A moderately elevated level of triglycerides is a predictor of a disfiguring condition that can occur in HIV patients taking highly active antiretroviral therapy. Lipodystrophy is a metabolic disorder in which the body redistributes from the face and limbs to the waist and upper back. Like ordinary weight gain, it can put patients at higher risk for serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

"An increase in triglyceride levels and the development of lipodystrophy followed a significant progressive and parallel course," concludes a report published in the journal AIDS. "An increase in triglyceride levels could be considered a predictive marker of this event in many patients receiving HAART."

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Triglycerides are blood fats associated with abdominal obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, low levels of high-density lipoproteins (the "good" cholesterol), and an increased risk of heart disease.

The most effective ways to lower blood lipids are medication, regular exercise, weight loss and dietary changes. Reducing fat intake and total calories are the first steps, but it's not quite that simple. According to a study at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., a nutrition plan that relies on low-fat but sugar-rich foods such as fat-free yogurt and reduced-fat cookies can significantly raise triglycerides. The research indicates that swapping such snacks for fibrous whole grains, salads, vegetables and beans can lower triglycerides by up to 25 percent. The slower absorption rates of high-fiber foods control insulin surges that boost triglyceride production in the liver.

Blood lipid linked to body-fat disorder

Men's Fitness, Jan, 2003

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