Aim: 

This study was aimed to assess the relationship between hyperlipidemia, a relevant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and fat mass distribution in elderly.

Methods: 

78 people (55 female), 60-75 years old, affected by hyperlipidemia were divided in two groups. The first group (40 people, 26 females) was treated with hypolipidic diet for three months. The second group (38 people, 29 females) was treated with hypolipidic diet and policosanol supplement. Anthropometric measurements and bioimpedance analysis were performed.

Results: 

The females of the first group showed a significant reduction in BMI (32.71 ± 6.11 vs 34.69 ± 6.66 baseline), Waist Circumference (98.90 ± 12.48 vs 104.48 ± 14.02 baseline), Total Cholesterol (209.40 ± 21.96 vs 236.03 ± 17.50 baseline). The males of the same group showed a decrease in BMI (30.65 ± 4.70 vs 33.01 ± 5.18 baseline), WC (106.20 ± 1.06 vs 111.60 ± 11.45 baseline), T Cho: 196.92 ± 22.08 vs 232.78 ± 14.30 baseline. The females of the second group showed a reduction (p<0.01) in BMI (31.61 ± 5.25 vs 33.21 ± 5.61 baseline), WC (99.06 ± 14.53 vs 102.24 ± 14.01 baseline), T Cho: 215,31 ± 23,61 vs 258,9 ± 15,88 baseline. The males of this group showed a decrease in BMI (27,33 ± 3,82 vs 28,57 ± 4,48 baseline), WC (98.22 ± 9.62 vs 103.63 ± 10.80 baseline), T Cho: 201.33 ± 36.82 vs 272.11 ± 32.53 baseline.

Conclusion: 

Diet and policosanols facilitate weight loss with clear improvement in serum lipids and body composition.