Modest Weight Loss Cardiovascular Disease

A study published in the December 18, 2013 edition of the Journal of the American Heart Association and sponsored by Jenny Craig, a company that encourages weight loss by providing/selling prepared meals. This study followed more than 400 obese women over 12 months, with a follow-up visit at 24 months. Those who were able to lose and maintain a 10% loss of their body weight lowered their risk for cardiovascular disease by lowering their triglycerides, insulin, and C-reactive protein levels. Women in the intervention and in the control group both were encouraged to exercise. Only the intervention group was given the Jenny Craig prepared meals. They were also instructed in how to eat well, and could supplement their food with fruits and vegetables. A 10% loss in someone weighing 225 pounds would be a 22.5 pound weight loss. So it was not necessary to become skinny in order to see some benefit.