Effect of a Weight Loss Program on Biochemical and Immunological Profile, Serum Leptin Levels, and Cardiovascular Parameters in Obese Dogs
Piantedosi, D. et al.
2020
Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Eleven obese dogs but healthy dogs underwent a 6 months Weight Loss Program (WLP). Diet was high in protein but low in fat and carbohydrates. Body weight evaluation, biochemical profile, immune profile and cardiovascular paramters were recorded before (T0) and after 6 months (T1) of the WLP. Normal weight and healthy dogs were used as a control group.All obese dogs showed clinical improvement after the WLP, weight loss was associated with an improvement in both activity and quality of life. The metabolic status of obese dogs, particularly dyslipidemia, improved after WLP. After only 6 months of intervention we observed a modification in the immune structure and an overall homeostatic recovery of canine immune response. Furthermore WLP reduced the serum presence of proinflammatory cytokines ( IL-6 and TNF- alpha), and the serum concentration of leptin which became similar to those observed in normal weight dogs.Calorie restriction for just 6 months appeared to induce potentially beneficial effects; longer WLP with greater fat mass reduction could induce a more complete immune-regulation and have greater benefits.Effect of a Weight Loss Program on Biochemical and Immunological Profile, Serum Leptin Levels, and Cardiovascular Parameters in Obese Dogs