ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. Body mass index (BMI), a measurement which compares weight and height, defines people as overweight when their BMI is between 25 kg/m2 and 30 kg/m2, and obese when it is greater than 30 kg/m2. A survey of the literature indicates that little is known about the influence of the obese condition on the tissue status and metabolism of essential trace metals; however, available data suggest that trace metal status of obese humans and animals is altered. Hence our aim was to study the changes in the micronutrient status in overweight and obese people in comparison with normal weight controls. Methods: Ninety Adults of age 30-40 years were divided into three groups (30 each) into normal, overweight and obese individuals based on their BMI. The serum samples of all the three groups were used for estimation of micronutrient status (serum iron by Bathophenanthroline method, zinc and copper by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy). Results: We found that the mean iron levels in obese individuals were significantly decreased in overweight and obese individuals than those in the control group (P<0.0001), whereas the mean zinc levels were slightly lower than those of the control group (P=0.2080) but not statistically significant. Serum copper levels were significantly increased in obese individuals when compared to controls (P < 0.0003). Interpretation & Conclusion: The presence of nutritional deficiencies in overweight and obesity may seem paradoxical in light of excess caloric intake, but several micronutrient deficiencies appear to be higher in prevalence in overweight and obese adults and children. Causes are multifactorial and could include decreased consumption of fruits and vegetables, increased intake of high-calorie, but nutritionally poor-quality foods, and increased adiposity, which may influence the storage and availability of some nutrients. Hence medical practitioners must be aware of nutritional deficiencies in overweight and obese patients and appropriately recognize and treat common and rare nutritional deficiencies.