ASSESSMENT OF SERUM URIC ACID STATUS IN OBESE INDIVIDUALS

R. Deepti* and S. Akila

ABSTRACT

Background: Obesity means accumulation of excessive body fat and is a major risk factor for chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, etc. Recently researchers had found interesting link between obesity and hyperuricemia. Aim of this study is to explore the relationship between serum uric acid and obesity among general population. Materials & Methods: A case control study consists of age and gender matched 40 non obese individuals and 40 obese individuals. The anthropometric variables like height, weight, waist circumference and hip circumference were collected. Serum uric acid level was analyzed in blood samples using standard kits in fully automated analyzer. Data was statistically analyzed using ‘t’ test and correlation coefficient. Results: We observed a significantly high serum uric acid levels (p <0.05) in obese group when compared to the non obese group. In the obese group, we found a significant increase in the BMI and waist hip ratio in comparison with the non obese group. A positive correlation was reported between uric acid and BMI (r 0.505, p <0.01), uric acid and waist circumference (r 0.350, p <0.05), uric acid and hip circumference (r 0.325, p <0.05) & uric acid and waist hip ratio (r 0.463, p <0.01). Conclusion: In the current study, serum uric acid levels are increased in obese individuals in comparison with non obese individuals. Increased visceral fat leads to insulin resistance which in turn results in hyperuricemia due to retention of uric acid in renal tubules.

Keywords: BMI, Hyperuricemia, Obesity, Visceral fat & Waist hip ratio.