BACKGROUND: Megestrol acetate (MA) has been used to stimulate weight gain in elderly populations, with the majority of the weight gain being adipose tissue. Because of the increased energy intake and adipose tissue accrual with MA, it may have a negative effect on circulating lipids. Thus, in this study we examined the effects of MA -- alone and in combination with resistance training and/or testosterone replacement -- on blood lipids. METHODS: All subjects (n = 28) received MA and were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) placebo (P) injections, (2) resistance training and P (RT+P), (3) weekly injections of testosterone (T; 100 mg/week), or (4) RT and T (RT+T). RESULTS: A significant time effect was observed for total cholesterol (p = 0.0006) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p = 0.0003) with the mid and post time points being significantly lower than the pre time points for both variables. For the total cholesterol to HDL ratio, no significant differences between groups or over time (time effect:) were observed. For triglycerides, there tended to be a time effect (p = 0.061), with the mid and post time points being lower than the pre time point; however, this effect was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Because it appears from our data that MA does not cause adverse blood lipid changes, the decision to use it should be based on other factors.
Copyright the Gerontological Society of America. Reproduced by permission of the publisher.

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