Evaluation of Serum Leptin Levels and Some Anthropometric Parameters among Women of Reproductive Age in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Aim: To evaluate and correlate the levels of leptin levels and some anthropometric parameters among women of reproductive age in Port Harcourt.

Study Design: The population of women of reproductive age in Port Harcourt Local Government Area was sampled. The subjects were selected using simple random technique.

Methodology: The study involved 150 subjects, who were within the age bracket of 20 and 60 years, who had given their informed consent to participate in this study, and were without chronic condition or undergoing any medical treatment or procedure. The anthropometric parameters, such as body mass index (BMI), Waist-to-Hip ratio (WHR) were obtained using appropriate techniques. Three milliliters (3ml) of venous blood was collected into plain bottles for the assay of leptin (using ELISA technique).

Results: The mean values of the BMI and WHR were 28.72 ± 10.31kg/m2 and 0.83 ± 0.22 respectively. These were above the reference ranges. Leptin (3.56 ± 0.93ng/ml) was within the reference range.The results also show that the BMI and WHR correlated positively with the leptin levels. Also, BMI,WHR and leptin values increased with age.

Conclusion: There was positive correlation between leptin levels and all the anthropometric parameters showing that there might be a tendency of the population under study to be over weighted and obese. It is recommended that these parameters be monitored in women of reproductive age as part of the assessment of their health status.