Energy balance
A modest reduced-calorie diet (75% of energy requirements) for two months significantly improves lipid profiles, blood pressure, and specific inflammatory markers (ICAM-1, MCP-1) in overweight/obese adults with cardiovascular risk factors.
If you are overweight or obese and have high blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar, cutting your daily calories to 75% of what your body normally burns (a 25% reduction) for two months can significantly lower your bad cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. It also reduces specific markers of blood vessel inflammation. You do not need to change your exercise routine, but you should avoid omega-3 supplements during this period. Focus on filling your reduced calories with vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins to stay full.
The reduced-calorie diet improved plasma ICAM-1 (change from baseline - 0.45 ± 1.99 ng/mL, P = 0.033, ANCOVA), MCP-1 (change from baseline - 0.50 pg/mL, P = 0.011, ANCOVA), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (change from baseline - 9.35 ± 19.61 mg/dL, P < 0.001, ANCOVA), and triglyceride (change from baseline -33.66 ± 49.08, P = 0.001, ANCOVA)... Body weight changed in the reduced-calorie diet group (-3.05 ± 2.65 kg), and blood pressure was improved (systolic -6.96 ± 12.04 and diastolic - 3.90 ± 8.97 mmHg).
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial with a control group, though limited by short duration (2 months) and small sample size (n=66).
Source
Effect of a Reduced-Calorie Diet on Plasma Levels of Inflammatory and Metabolic Factors in Overweight/Obese Patients with Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Javad Nasrollahzadeh et al. · International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism · 2023
DOI 10.5812/ijem-135216
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