A study on the correlation of lipid profile with body mass index in young adults (18-20 years)

Abstract

Overweight and obesity in youth is a worldwide public health problem. Predisposition to obesity starts during the first or second decade of life. Overweight and obesity in adolescents have a substantial effect upon many systems, resulting in clinical conditions such as metabolic syndrome, early atherosclerosis, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our study was done to find the relation between body mass index (BMI) and lipid profile in young adults (18-20 years) and for the correlation between the various parameters. 150 young adults between 18-20 years of age, who gave written voluntary consent were included in the study. BMI was calculated after measuring height and weight along with fasting blood samples for estimation of blood glucose and lipid profile [total cholesterol, High-density lipoprotein (HDL), Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triacylglycerol (TGL)] were measured. A linear correlation regression analysis was done to know the correlation between the anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters.  All the biochemical parameters showed a positive correlation with BMI. Total cholesterol had the highest positive correlation with BMI. There was a prevalence of 39.3% overweight/obesity as per BMI cut-off. Individuals who were in the obese category had a higher prevalence of abnormal lipid profiles, especially total cholesterol. Stress and lack of physical activity have a detrimental effect on health and are a major risk factor for the development of obesity. 90% of the students in this study did not have any regular physical activity. Educating the students about the effects of obesity and dyslipidaemia on the quality of health can help in bringing lifestyle modifications that can help them in the long run.