Researchers studied 62 people with obesity who participated in a 3-month program combining diet and exercise. They measured several chemicals in the blood before and after the program to see how weight loss affected them. The good news: weight loss improved several important markers, including reducing blood sugar levels and triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood). Some markers like glucose and cholesterol increased slightly, but stayed within healthy ranges. This research helps doctors understand how our bodies change when we lose weight and which chemicals improve first.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How specific chemicals in the blood change when people with obesity lose weight through diet and exercise
  • Who participated: 62 adults with obesity who completed a 3-month program of healthy eating and exercise
  • Key finding: After 3 months, people showed improvements in blood sugar control and fat levels, with some markers like a protein called apelin returning to more normal levels
  • What it means for you: Weight loss through diet and exercise appears to improve several important health markers within just 3 months, though longer-term studies are needed to confirm these benefits hold up over time

The Research Details

This was a straightforward study where researchers measured specific chemicals in the blood of 62 people with obesity before they started a weight loss program and again after 3 months of diet and exercise. The researchers looked at nine different blood markers including cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and three special proteins that are affected by obesity. By comparing the ‘before’ and ‘after’ measurements, they could see which markers improved and which changed in unexpected ways.

The weight loss program combined two approaches: dietary changes and physical activity. This is important because it’s hard to know whether improvements come from eating better, exercising more, or the combination of both. The researchers took measurements at the start and end of the 3-month period, which is a relatively short timeframe for seeing health changes.

Understanding how specific body chemicals change during weight loss helps doctors predict which health improvements will happen first and which might take longer. This knowledge can help people stay motivated by showing them that positive changes are happening even if the scale isn’t moving as fast as they’d like. It also helps identify which people might need extra support or different approaches.

This study has some strengths: it measured multiple health markers and compared each person to their own baseline, which is a solid approach. However, there are limitations to consider: the sample size of 62 people is relatively small, there’s no mention of a control group (people who didn’t diet/exercise), and 3 months is a short timeframe. The researchers themselves noted that longer studies with more people would provide stronger evidence.

What the Results Show

After the 3-month program, several important improvements occurred. Blood sugar control improved, as shown by decreased hemoglobin A1c levels—this is a marker that shows average blood sugar over several weeks. Triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) also decreased, which is beneficial because high triglycerides increase heart disease risk. A protein called apelin decreased to more normal levels, suggesting the body’s resistance to this protein improved.

Interestingly, some markers increased after weight loss, but in ways that appear healthy. Glucose (blood sugar) and LDL-cholesterol (often called ‘bad’ cholesterol) both increased slightly, but the researchers noted these increases stayed within normal, healthy ranges. This suggests the body was adjusting to the weight loss rather than developing problems.

The study also measured a protein called sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, which was high before the program. This protein controls how the body makes fat. The researchers interpreted the high starting levels as a sign that the body was actively storing fat. Another finding was that total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol (the ‘good’ kind) were measured but showed less dramatic changes than other markers.

These findings align with what other research has shown: weight loss through diet and exercise improves blood sugar control and reduces triglycerides relatively quickly. The finding that some cholesterol markers increased slightly is less commonly discussed but appears consistent with how the body adjusts during weight loss. The improvement in apelin levels adds new information about how obesity-related proteins normalize with weight loss.

The study has several important limitations. First, with only 62 participants, the results might not apply to everyone—larger studies would be more convincing. Second, there was no control group of people who didn’t diet/exercise, so we can’t be completely sure the changes came from the program rather than other factors. Third, 3 months is relatively short; we don’t know if these improvements continue, plateau, or reverse over longer periods. Finally, the researchers didn’t provide details about how much weight people lost or whether results differed based on how much weight each person lost.

The Bottom Line

If you have obesity, a 3-month program combining healthy eating and exercise appears to improve several important health markers, particularly blood sugar control and triglyceride levels. These improvements suggest the program is working even if weight loss is gradual. Confidence level: Moderate—this study provides good evidence, but larger, longer studies would strengthen these recommendations.

This research is most relevant for adults with obesity who are considering or starting a weight loss program. It’s also useful for doctors and health coaches who work with these patients. People with diabetes or high triglycerides may find this especially relevant. However, these findings may not apply to people with normal weight or to different types of weight loss programs (like medication or surgery).

Based on this research, you might expect to see improvements in blood sugar control and triglyceride levels within 3 months of consistent diet and exercise changes. However, individual results vary, and some people may see changes faster or slower than others.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly weight and monthly blood work markers (if available through your doctor) including blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Also track exercise minutes per week and dietary adherence to see correlations with health improvements.
  • Set a goal to complete 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week combined with one specific dietary change (like reducing sugary drinks or adding vegetables to meals). Log both activities daily to build consistency and see how they correlate with health improvements.
  • Create a 3-month checkpoint system where you review progress on both weight and health markers. Use the app to set reminders for blood work appointments and to track how you feel (energy levels, mood, sleep quality) alongside physical measurements, since improvements in these areas often precede major weight loss.

This research describes what happened in one study of 62 people over 3 months and should not be considered medical advice. Individual results vary significantly based on genetics, starting health status, and program adherence. Before starting any weight loss program, especially if you have diabetes, heart disease, or take medications, consult with your doctor. The changes in glucose and LDL-cholesterol mentioned in this study remained within normal ranges, but this should be monitored by a healthcare provider. This summary is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical guidance.