Obesity related complications in 100 obese subjects and their age matched controls.

Objective: To note obesity related complications in subjects of age range 50-59 years.

Methods: A case control study was conducted at Medical Unit of District Headquarters Hospital, Rawalpindi for 6 months. Hundred obese subjects in the age range 50-59 years and their age matched non-obese 100 controls were included consecutively from general population. Obese subjects had body mass index (BMI) >30Kg/m2. Controls had BMI of 18.5-22.9Kg/m2 and normal waist hip ratio. Obesity related complications i.e., hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, stroke, hyperlipidemia, gall stones, varicose veins, psychological problems, sleep related problems, and degenerative arthritis, were sought in all subjects. Waist hip ratio was noted as measure of central distribution of body fat in obese subjects.

Results: Of the 200 subjects, 59% (n=118) were female and 41% (n=82) male. Of the obese subjects 74% and 44% of non-obese controls were female. Mean age of obese subjects and their controls was 54.4 +/- 3.22 and 54.57 +/- 3.54 years respectively. Central obesity was noted in 84% of obese subjects. Hyperlipidemia (87%), hypertension (71%), diabetes mellitus (65%), gallstones (57%), ischaemic heart disease (49%), osteoarthritis (46%), and sleep disorders (35%) were significant (p<0.05) obesity related complications.

Conclusion: Hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, gallstones, ischaemic heart disease, osteoarthritis and sleep disorders are common obesity related complications in subjects of age range 50-59 years.