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. 2011;4(6):461-8.
doi: 10.1159/000335121. Epub 2011 Dec 6.

Tracking of leptin, soluble leptin receptor, and the free leptin index during weight loss and regain in children

Jens-Christian Holm  1 , Michael Gamborg, Leigh C Ward, Steen Gammeltoft, Karsten Kaas-Ibsen, Berit L Heitmann, Thorkild I A Sørensen
Affiliations

Tracking of leptin, soluble leptin receptor, and the free leptin index during weight loss and regain in children

Jens-Christian Holm et al. Obes Facts. 2011.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate changes in leptin and soluble leptin receptor (SLR) concentrations, and in the free leptin index (FLI) during weight loss and subsequent weight regain; and to ascertain whether these indices remain stable in the rank of the distribution in repeated measures (tracking) during perturbations of weight in obese children.

Design and measurements: In a longitudinal study, 115 obese children were examined during a 12- week weight loss programme and 28 months of follow-up. Height, weight, body composition, Tanner stages, testicular size, time of menarche, and concentrations of leptin and SLR were measured at baseline, on days 14, 33, and 82, and from months 10, 16, and 28.

Results: During weight loss, leptin decreased and the SLR increased. During weight regain, leptin increased and the SLR decreased. The partial correlation coefficients expressing the relationship between leptin and SLR were significant in girls during both weight loss and weight regain, whereas in boys they were much weaker and not significant. Leptin, SLR and FLI exhibited individual-specific levels (tracking) during weight loss and regain in boys and girls. The observed tracking seemed stronger during weight loss than during weight regain. The observed tracking was independent of both baseline body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS) and pubertal development at baseline and of subsequent changes in BMI SDS and puberty stages.

Conclusion: Leptin and the SLR exhibit tracking during weight loss and regain, which indicates individual stability in the leptin system despite challenges of weight.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Changes in the partial correlation coefficients of leptin (solid line) and SLR (dotted line) with 95% CI during weight loss and regain in (a) boys and (b) girls. The correlation coefficients express the relationship comparing baseline measures of leptin (solid line) with 6 subsequent measures of leptin in the same child and baseline measures of SLR (dotted line) with 6 subsequent measures of SLR in the same child. Concomitant measures of BMI SDS (thin dotted line) show weight loss and regain in boys. The partial correlation coefficients were adjusted for concomitant changes in BMI SDS and puberty stage.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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