Effects of a Hypocaloric Diet and Exercise Intervention on Circulating Zinc and Inflammatory Markers in Obese, Sedentary, Insulin-Resistant Women

Body fat loss and regular exercise can improve markers of systemic low-grade inflammation in the obese, and circulating zinc (Zn) has been reported to change with weight loss (↑ Zn) and exercise (↓ Zn), but data are not consistent. Pre-menopausal obese, sedentary, insulin-resistant women (35-51y, BMI 30-37, n=12) completed a ~16 wk moderate intensity physical activity and diet (30% kcal reduction) intervention. Body weight, composition (DEXA), performance (VO2 peak), and fasting levels of inflammatory (IM: IL1-s, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, hsCRP) & metabolic markers (insulin, leptin, PAI-1 & adiponectin) & Zn were measured pre- and post-intervention. Physical fitness & metabolic markers significantly improved: VO2 peak increased by 11.9%, body weight and fat mass (FM) decreased (89.1±8.7 to 82.7±10.6 kg and 42.1±6.8 to 36.2±8.2 kg, respectively); & insulin, leptin & CRP decreased. Lean mass (LM) was preserved (43.4±2.6 to 43.4±3.3 kg; range: -3.3 - 2.3 kg). The change (Δ) in serum Zn correlated negatively with th...