Generalized obesity, serum lipids and lipoproteins in adult males in a Semi-Urban community in the North of Jordan

ABSTRACT

To describe the relationship between generalized obseity with serum lipids and lipoproteins. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select the participants from Alsareeh area. A total of 400 apparently healthy adult males aged 30-50 years were invited to participate in the study, 103 non-obese, 100 overweight, 103 obese completed the study. A pilot tested interview questionnaire was designated in the study to collect dietary the history. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured, whereas low density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio were calculated. Adverse serum lipids and lipoproteins were categorized based on National Institute of Health [NIH, 1998]. Obesity was categorized into three groups as indicated by body mass index-C WHO [1997] for generalized obesity. There was an increase in the prevalence rate of adverse serum lipids and lipoproteins as BMI level increases. Their prevalence rate among overweight and obese subjects compared with non-obese subjects were 2.1-8.9 and 4.9-10.9 times respectively. Adjusted odds ratios of adverse serum lipids and lipoproteins after controlling for confounding factors among overweight and obese subject compared with non-obese were 5.08-6.27 [95%CI] and 11.59-13.8 [95%CI]respectively. The amount of body fat is a major risk factors on adverse serum lipids and lipoproteins which emphasizes the need for concentrated efforts to prevent and treat obesity rather than just its associated diseases