Impact of Obesity on Biochemical Markers among Patients with Chronic Diseases

Abstract

Extensive epidemiological research has reported that excess body weight for height is associated with several alterations at the hormonal, inflammatory, metabolic, and endothelial levels. The current study aimed to examine the association between body mass index (BMI) classifications and the chemical biomarker status of patients diagnosed with chronic diseases. Methodology: The study was designed as a cross-sectional study of 431 patients attending King Abdulaziz Medical City for the period between 2008 and 2019. Information regarding age, gender, height, weight, BMI, and biochemical data (hemoglobin A1c, triglyceride, cholesterol, and albumin) was collected. Results: Overweight and obesity were detected among 43% of the total sample. A greater percentage of patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hypothyroidism were overweight and obese (p = 0.027). Triglyceride levels were significantly higher among obese individuals compared with non-obese (p = 0.039). No significant difference was found in the level of hemoglobin A1c, cholesterol, and albumin between the two groups. Serum triglyceride level was positively associated with BMI categories among our sample (β = 0.734; standard error [SE] = 0.290, p = 0.012). Conclusion: In patients diagnosed with chronic disease, elevated triglyceride levels are independently associated with BMI classifications. Increase weight did not seem to be related to the levels of HbA1c, cholesterol, or albumin. The results emphasize the importance of assessing hypertriglyceridemia among patients with obesity and diagnosed with chronic disease to improve health status and avoid further comorbidities.