Correlation of Markers of Inflammation with Anthropometric Indices in Obese and Overweight Adults

Abstract

Background: Obesity has been found to be associated with low grade inflammation characterized by increased levels of inflammatory cytokines.  Various anthropometric measurements have been shown to be associated with complications of obesity. Determining the most exact anthropometric index of overweight and obesity that best correlates with inflammatory markers will be helpful for early prevention of obesity related disorders.

Aim: To determine the correlation between markers of inflammation (hs-CRP and TNF α) with anthropometric indices such as body mass indices, waist circumference and waist hip ratio among study population.

Method: Two hundred and twenty obese and overweight individuals were involved in this study, fifty five normal BMI groups as control recruited from staff of the hospital and patient relatives and community residents within a four month period. The anthropometric measurements include: weight, height, abdominal circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference. Body mass index, Waist hip ratio were calculated from the anthropometric measurements. Serum inflammatory markers (hs-CRP and TNF-α) were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay reagent kit from Span biotech limited.

Results: The study found an increase in the measured markers of inflammation across the stages of obesity using WHO classification based on body mass index (overweight, stage one, stage two and stage three) with significant correlation between the markers of inflammation and anthropometric indices.

Conclusion: There is significant association between markers of inflammation and anthropometric indices (Body mass index, Waist hip ratio, Waist circumference, abdominal circumference) in obese and overweight adults.