Abstract
Background
Blood chemistry panel and body mass index (BMI) are common ways to evaluate individual
health. The study aimed to compare a wide range of blood chemistry tests between obese,
overweight, and normal weight populations that are otherwise apparently healthy.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study of all adults (20-65 years) with BMI ≥18.5 kg/m2 who underwent routine annual health check-ups. Participants who had any known morbidity
or taking medication were excluded. BMI was categorized using the current World Health
Organization criteria. After fasting, glucose, renal and liver functions, albumin
and total protein levels, lipid profile, electrolytes levels and inflammatory marker
were observed and compared between BMI categories.
Results
The study included 10,211 adults (median BMI 25.1 kg/m2, 48.8% normal weight, 39.7% overweight, 11.5% obese). The mean age was 40.78 years
(SD 9.69) and 35.4% were female. Triglyceride level was 23.5% in overweight and 50.6%
higher in obese participants (p < 0.001). Liver enzymes were higher in overweight (5.6-18.7%, p < 0.001) and obese participants (13.4-48.3%, p < 0.001). C-reactive protein level was 134% higher in overweight and 430% higher
in obese participants (p < 0.001). Differences were also documented in other blood tests.
Conclusions
Overweight and obesity were found to be associated with significant abnormalities
in blood tests. A periodic wide panel of blood tests, especially for overweight and
obese populations, is essential to identify and intervene as secondary prevention
before the onset of symptoms.
Key Indexing Terms
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 19, 2022
Accepted:
July 27,
2022
Received:
November 14,
2021
Footnotes
Postal address: Tel Aviv University - P.O.B. 39040, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center - 6 Weizmann Street, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
