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A Systematic Review

Elizabeth Selvin, PhD, MPH; Nina P. Paynter, MHS; Thomas P. Erlinger, MD, MPH

Arch Intern Med. 2007;167(1):31-39.

Background  Several studies suggest that weight loss reduces C-reactive protein (CRP) level; however, the consistency and magnitude of this effect has not been well characterized. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that weight loss is directly related to a decline in CRP level.

Data Sources  We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and MEDLINE databases and conducted hand searches and reviews of bibliographies to identify relevant weight loss intervention studies.

Study Selection  We included all weight loss intervention studies that had at least 1 arm that was a surgical, lifestyle, dietary, and/or exercise intervention. Abstracts were independently selected by 2 reviewers.

Data Extraction  Two reviewers independently abstracted data on the characteristics of each study population, weight loss intervention, and change in weight and CRP level from each arm of all included studies.

Data Synthesis  We analyzed the mean change in CRP level (milligrams per liter) and the mean weight change (kilograms), comparing the preintervention and postintervention values from each arm of 33 included studies using graphical displays of these data and weighted regression analyses to quantify the association.

Results  Weight loss was associated with a decline in CRP level. Across all studies (lifestyle and surgical interventions), we found that for each 1 kg of weight loss, the mean change in CRP level was –0.13 mg/L (weighted Pearson correlation, r = 0.85). The weighted correlation for weight and change in CRP level in the lifestyle interventions alone was 0.30 (slope, 0.06). The association appeared roughly linear.

Conclusion  Our results suggest that weight loss may be an effective nonpharmacologic strategy for lowering CRP level.

Author Affiliations: Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md (Dr Selvin and Ms Paynter), and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Research, Austin (Dr Erlinger).

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