Abstract
The purpose of this observational study was to describe the relationship between dietary fatty acids and serum lipids in 154 overweight adults participating in a weight management program. Mean energy intake decreased by 252 +/- 548 kcal and weight decreased by 4.1 +/- 3.4 kg (P < .001). Total fat (% kcal), grams of polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and trans fatty acids, and saturated fat decreased as did serum lipids except for triglycerides (P <= .001). Changes in total cholesterol were correlated with alterations in all fatty acids except for saturated fatty acids; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was correlated with a change in trans fats and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was not correlated with any variables. In the multiple regression model, 3.9% of the variance in LDL-C could be explained by trans fats after controlling for the effects of other variables; a lowering of HDL-C was associated with a change in percentage of fat kilocalories. In conclusion, trans fats appear to be associated with LDL-C. Based on these findings, it is prudent to recommend that the public limit their intake of trans fats.