Effect of body mass index on serum leptin levels

ABSTRACT

Background: Leptin is product of ob gene, an adipose tissue derived hormone that plays a key role in the regulation of body fat mass by regulating appetite and metabolism while balancing energy intake and energy expenditure. The objective of the study was to evaluate possible association between serum leptin levels and Body Mass Index [BMI] of gender in adult age group. Methods: Two-hundredseventy subjects aged 20–50 years were randomly selected from general population of Abbottabad. The subjects were grouped on the basis on BMI [89 normal, 92 overweight, and 89 obese]. After complete evaluation, demographic data was recorded and BMI. Non-fasting venous blood samples were drawn to measure serum leptin and serum glucose levels. The data were analysed using SPSS-15 calculating mean, percentage, independent t-test and chi-square test. Correlation and regression curve analysis wer obtained, and p and r values were calculated. Results: Serum leptin levels and differences betwee genders were significant in all body mass indices. For normal BMI group the mean values for leptin were 2.6 +/- 1.5 ?g/ml in men, and 17.3 +/- 10.2 ?g/ml for women. For Group-2 mean leptin levels in men were 9.9 +/- 6.8 ?g/ml and in women were 34.8 +/- 13.6 ?g/ml. For Group-3 BMI comprising obese subject mean values for men were 21.3 +/- 14.2 ?g/ml and for women were 48.21 +/- 21.2 ?g/ml [p<0.001]. Conclusion: A progressive increase in serum leptin concentration was observed with an increase in BMI. Significant difference between leptin concentrations in either gender was found in normal, overweight and obese subjects. Keywords Serum leptin levels, weight gain, BMI