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 greatly alters the lipid profile and induces atherogenic dyslipidaemia even in normoglycaemic, non-hypertensive subjects. Hence, the aim of the present study was to identify the serum lipid parameters which are altered with central obesity in non-diabetic, non-hypertensive subjects in Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Family Practice Centre of University of Sri Jayewardenepura, after obtaining ethical clearance and informed written consent from 227 non-diabetics, non-hypertensive subjects who were not on Statins. Overnight fasting venous blood was collected and assayed for serum lipid profile such as triglycerides (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 NHANES standards. All data were analysed using SPSS (ver.17) software. Mean age of the subjects was 40.7 ± 13.7 years and 59.9% were females. Obese males and females were 40.7% and 49.3% respectively. In the study sample, mean TG and TG/HDL ratio were significantly (p<0.05) higher in obese males. However, all mean serum lipid parameters such as TG, TC, LDL and TG/HDL ratio were higher in both obese males and females and HDL was lower in them. Hence, even in non-diabetic, non-hypertensive subjects, central obesity has a relationship with altered lipid profile which could lead to obesity related metabolic abnormalities.