Relationship between obesity, physical activity, sleeping hours and red blood cell parameters in adult Sudanese population

Abstract

Ideal body weight with proper physical activity and good sleep are essential parameters for good quality of life. This study is concerned with assessing the association of general obesity, physical activity and sleeping hours with hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and red blood cell (RBC) parameters in healthy adults in Sudan. In this cross sectional study, 1086 healthy adults between 20 and 60 years were included out of which 275 were males and 811 were females. A complete blood count (CBC) was performed for Hb, RBC count, PCV, MCH and MCHC using Sysmex KX-21 automated hematology analyzer. The median and 95 percentile (2.5th to 97.5th) range values for Hb and RBC count in underweight were 13.0 (Range: 9.6-16.7) g/dl and 4.6 (Range: 3.6-5.8) ×1000/µL respectively, while Hb and RBC count in obese were 13.1 (Range: 10.4-17.0) g/dl and 4.6 (Range: 3.7-5.9) ×1000/µL respectively, with no significant difference. The RBC count (p=0.004) and Hb (p≤0.001) were significantly high in physically active compared to physically inactive participants; whereas the hemoglobin concentration (p=0.047), red blood cells (p=0.007) and hematocrit (p≤0.001) values were significantly low in long-term sleep compared to normal sleeping hours. In conclusion, there were no significant differences in hemoglobin concentration, RBC count, PCV, MCH and MCHC between under weight, normal weight, overweight and obese persons. Increased physical activity was associated with higher Hb levels and RBC counts, while long-term sleep showed lower Hb and RBCs.