Korean Journal of Preventive Medicine  2000;33(2):193-198

The Relationship between Serum Leptin Concentration and Obesity Indices in a Rural Population.

Sang Yong KIM 1 ; Min Ho SHIN ; Kyeong Soo PARK ; Jin Su CHOI

Affiliations

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Keywords

Leptin; Obesity; Rural population

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between serum leptin concentration and obesity indices in a rural population. METHODS: Two hundred and nine subjects were randomly sampled from 1036 residents who had participated in the survey. Their obesity indices were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and anthropometry. Serum leptin concentrations were measured by immunoradiometric assay. RESULTS: Serum leptin concentrations were positively correlated with body mass index, percent of body fat, fat mass, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Serum leptin concentrations were higher in obese or overweighted subjects than normal or thin subjects(8.5[0.9-31.4] compared with 2.7[0.1-12.0]microgram/L, p<0.01). Serum leptin concentrations were higher in women than men, even after an adjustment to body mass index(beta=4.183, p<0.01). According to body composition, serum leptin concentrations were more related with waist circumference in men, hip circumference in women. CONCLUSIONS: Serum leptin concentrations are positively correlated with obesity indices. Serum leptin concentrations are higher in obese subjects, in women, and more related with peripheral obesity. These findings support the hypothesis that human obesity is associated with leptin-resistance rather than leptin-deficiency.