A Pilot Correlative Study of Anthropometric Indices with Lipid Parameters in Normal Weight, Overweight and Obese Participants in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Aim: The study was aimed at correlative and comparative assessment of anthropometric indices and lipid parameters in normal weight, overweight and obese individuals as a means of evaluating their cardiovascular risks.

Study Design: A pilot study was carried out in Port Harcourt Metropolis in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study was conducted within a period of 4 months (June – September, 2018). A total of 82 participants were selected from the recruitment process after consenting to participant in the study. Anthropometric measurements and lipid parameters analysis were done at the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Methodology: 5mls of fasting blood samples were collected into lithium heparin bottles and spun at 3000 rpm for 5 minutes to obtain plasma. Total cholesterol (TC) and Triglyceride (TG) were analysed based on enzymatic methods. High density lipoprotein (HDL) was analysed using precipitation and enzymatic method while low density lipoprotein (LDL) was calculated using Friedewald equation. Anthropometric measurements were collected using stadiometer, non-stretchable tape and weighing scale.

Results: Significant increases were seen in lipid parameters (HDL-C indicated a decrease) as well as in BMI, WHR, WC and WHtR of obese (OB) and overweight (OV) participants compared to normal weight (N) participants. Correlation of anthropometric indices with lipid parameters in obese (OB) indicated significant positive correlation between WC and LDL-C, WHR and TC as well as between WHR and LDL-C. Significant negative correlations were seen between BMI and HDL-C, WC and HDL-C as well as between WHR and TG in Normal participants while significant positive correlation was seen between WHtR and TG.

Conclusion: Elevated TG, TC, and LDL-C and reduced HDL-C were seen in overweight and obese participants which are risk factors of CVD. Anthropometric indices such as WC and WHR were seen to be better and sensitive predictor of CVD risks especially in obese subject compared to BMI and WHtR.