Obesity and C-Reactive Protein, Immunoglobulins, and Lipids

Abstract

Obesity has been increasing in rich oil producing countries, such as Saudi Arabia, for the last few decades. Weight above the healthy level is suggested to interfere with normal immune function, affecting both innate and acquired immune responses. This study aimed to determine the relationship between increased weight and serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), Immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgM, IgA, and the lipid profile. One hundred and nineteen randomly chosen Saudi female college students were assessed for their weight status using the body mass index (BMI) and the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Findings show that as the BMI and WHR increase, the CRP levels increase highly significantly compared to the controls. IgA levels also increase significantly as the BMI and WHR increase. Conversely, both IgG and IgM levels are not affected by the BMI or WHR. As for the lipid profile, cholesterol concentrations rise highly significantly as the WHR increases, but it is not affected by the BMI. Triacylglycerols and LDL levels increase highly significantly, while HDL decreases highly significantly in association with BMI and WHR increase. Multiple comparisons between the BMI and WHR groups were also investigated. In conclusion, increasing weight and obesity is correlated with an increase in CRP concentration, suggesting the presence of a state of harmful unspecific inflammation. The observed increase in IgA with the increase of weight and obesity agrees with findings by other researchers of increased respiratory infections in obese individuals. Finally, it is also concluded that overweight and obesity are associated with an unfavorable lipid profile, which is known to be detrimental to health and the immune system.