Hormonal and metabolic changes in relation to body fat distribution in obesity

ABSTRACT

The relation of body fat distribution to the biochemical and hormonal atherogenic risk factors was studied in 31 obese patients. The brachial to femoral adipose muscle ratio [B/F AMR] was taken as an index of body fat distribution and the body mass index [BMI] as an index of severity of obesity. Upper body segment obese [UBSO] patients had significantly higher total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and uric acid and significantly lower HDL level compared to lower body segment obese [LBSO] patients. Fasting and post prandial insulin and 4 P.m. plasma cortisol level were significantly higher in UBSO compared to LBSO. BMI was correlated to triglycerides, post prandial plasma glucose and fasting insulin but not to cortisol or other parameters. B/F AMR was positively correlated levels and negatively correlated to HDL. In conclusion, UBSO patients were shown to have multiple biochemical and hormonal risk factors predisposing them to diabetes and ischemic heart disease. The predominance of fat in the upper body segment rather the degree of obesity seems to be more relevant