Relation of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels to Body Mass Index After Comprehensive Lifestyle Changes

Cross-sectional studies have reported inverse associations of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) with the body mass index (BMI). We evaluated whether changes in the BMI are associated with changes in BNP. A nested prospective cohort study of a lifestyle intervention (low-fat, whole-foods diet, exercise, stress management, and social support) was conducted. BNP, BMI, and other biomarkers were measured at baseline and 3 months. A total of 131 subjects, 56 with coronary heart disease (CHD) and 75 at high risk, with ≥3 CHD risk factors and/or diabetes mellitus, were enrolled. At 3 months, the mean BMI had decreased (34.4 to 31.7 kg/m2 , p