Effect of central obesity on serum lipid profile in non-diabetic, non-hypertensive subjects - A preliminary study

Abstract

Central obesity is a significant risk factor for metabolic syndrome in adults. Central fat distribution greatlyalters the lipid profile and induces atherogenic dyslipidaemia even in normoglycaemic, non-hypertensivesubjects. Hence, the aim of the present study was to identify the serum lipid parameters which are alteredwith central obesity in non-diabetic, non-hypertensive subjects in Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional study wasconducted at the Family Practice Centre of University of Sri Jayewardenepura, after obtaining ethicalclearance and informed written consent from 227 non-diabetics, non-hypertensive subjects who were not onStatins. Overnight fasting venous blood was collected and assayed for serum lipid profile such astriglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and high density cholesterol (HDL). Low density cholesterol (LDL)and TG/HDL ratio were calculated. Waist circumference (WC) was measured based on WHO and NHANESstandards. All data were analysed using SPSS (ver.17) software. Mean age of the subjects was 40.7 ± 13.7years and 59.9% were females. Obese males and females were 40.7% and 49.3% respectively. In the studysample, mean TG and TG/HDL ratio were significantly (p<0.05) higher in obese males. However, all meanserum lipid parameters such as TG, TC, LDL and TG/HDL ratio were higher in both obese males andfemales and HDL was lower in them. Hence, even in non-diabetic, non-hypertensive subjects, central obesityhas a relationship with altered lipid profile which could lead to obesity related metabolic abnormalities.

Keywords: central obesity, triglycerides, waist circumference.