Serum levels of pancreatic enzymes in lean and obese subjects.

Serum amylase and trypsin, but not lipase, were significantly lower in obese subjects than in lean subjects. Serum amylase and trypsin, but not lipase, had significant inverse correlation with body weight. Low serum amylase was associated with low protein, fat and carbohydrate intakes per kg body weight, whereas low serum trypsin was associated with low carbohydrate intake per kg body weight. Low serum pancreatic enzymes readily increased with diet therapy. It is assumed that lowered serum pancreatic enzymes in obese subjects are somehow related to their diet intake. The mechanism through which pancreatic enzymes in the blood reflect the composition of food is unclear.