Abstract
Objective: To determine the oxidative balance and plasma fatty acid composition of overweight and obese women. Design: Comparative, descriptive study on 60 overweight or obese (BMI 25–33 kg/m2), normotensive, nondiabetic women and 60 age-matched lean healthy women (BMI < 25 kg/m2). Measurements: Plasma lipid, hydroperoxide, and antioxidants levels, fatty acid composition and the susceptibility of lipoproteins to peroxidation. Results: Compared to the lean control group, the patient group had higher susceptibility of lipoproteins to peroxidation and higher peroxide levels. In contrast, the polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular the ω-3 species, and the antioxidants were lower in the patient group. Conclusions: The present study shows that overweight and obese people have oxidative balance impairment. The higher susceptibility of lipoproteins to peroxidation is the probable molecular mechanism that promotes a reduction in high unsaturated (and in particular ω-3) fatty acids, as well as antioxidants in the plasma of the overweight and obese subjects.