Inter-relationship of serum leptin levels with selected anthropometric parameters among a non-diabetic population: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE

Association between serum leptin levels and anthropometric parameter is well established in western countries according to the specific WHO cut-off values assigned for those populations, whereas it is not clearly defined for Asians especially with respect to gender. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine the relationship of serum leptin levels with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR) to identify the variations of serum leptin levels with gender and to evaluate the serum leptin levels in risk and non-risk groups based on their anthropometric values.

SUBJECTS/METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 226 apparently healthy subjects (non-diabetics, age 20-70 years). Height, weight, WC, hip circumference (HC) and mid arm circumference (MAC) were measured. BMI, WHR, waist to height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Fasting blood samples were collected. Serum leptin levels were measured using human leptin ELISA kits.

RESULTS

Majority of the participants were females (59.3%). Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in females (24.8 ± 17.1 ng/mL) compared to males (9.3 ± 7.9 ng/mL). Significant positive correlations (P < 0.05) were observed between serum leptin levels and all anthropometric parameters except height in both genders. The risk groups according to BMI, WC and WHR in females were hyperleptinaemic and had significantly (P < 0.05) higher serum leptin levels than the non-risk groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Linear trend was observed for serum leptin levels with weight, BMI, WC, HC, WHR, MAC and WHtR in both genders. Though the serum leptin levels were higher among risk groups, according to WHR, WC and BMI, the hyperleptinaemia was observed only among females.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

A descriptive cross-sectional study, Level V.