Variation in Lipid Profile Across Different Patterns of Obesity - Observations from Guwahati, Assam

Background: Obesity adversely affects cardiovascular health is known. But, data is few in this regard from Assam, northeast India. The serum lipid profile is performed for cardio-metabolic status assessment. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate variation in serum lipids across different obesity patterns in an urban population from Assam. Materials and Methods: Two hundred subjects were classified by WC (waist circumference) and BMI (body mass index) values into four groups as follows: Group I (normal WC, normal BMI), Group II (normal WC, increased BMI), Group III (increased WC, normal BMI) and Group IV (increased WC, increased BMI). WC and BMI served as measures of central and generalized obesity respectively. Lipid profile was measured using VITROS 5600 Autoanalyser, and compared across these groups. Multivariate analyses were performed separately for males and females to confirm the results of univariate analyses. Results: WC and BMI exhibited significant correlations with different lipid parameters. Group IV individuals had the most abnormal lipid profile values, while, Group I individuals had the most normal values. Group II and Group III individuals had intermediate values. BMI was independently associated with serum triglycerides in both males and females. WC was independently associated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol in females. Conclusion: The lipid values varied significantly across different obesity patterns. Serum lipid concentrations were strongly influenced by anthropometric indices of obesity in both sexes. Presence of both central and generalized obesity led to greater abnormalities in lipid profile than presence of central or generalized obesity alone.