Publication:

Comparative evaluation of iron profile in premenopausal obese women with women of normal body mass index

Background Obesity has become a common problem worldwide due to changes in lifestyle and food habits. Obesity has been associated with many chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, gallstones etc. Excessive adipose tissue through release of adipokines maybe a risk factor for derangements in iron parameters. Authors aim is to study Serum Iron, TIBC, and Serum Ferritin levels in Obese women (BMI >25 kg/m2) in age group of 16 to 45 years and its comparison with normal BMI women.

Methods The case control study was conducted on 100 patients divided into two groups. Group A included 50 patients of obese women (BMI >25 kg/m2) in age group of 16 to 45 years. Group B consists of 50 control patients in similar age group with BMI of 18-23 kg/m2. Serum Iron, TIBC, and Serum Ferritin levels were measured in both groups and compared.

Results The study showed significant derangements of iron parameters in obese women.Serum Ferritin was significantly raised (p<0.001) in obese women whereas Serum Iron and TIBC were significantly decreased in obese women as compared to control group. No significant difference was seen in Serum Hemoglobin and MCV.

Conclusions Obesity is associated with derangements in iron parameters in women of reproductive age group similar to derangements seen in chronic inflammatory state.