Lipid profile and obesity in men from a county of the South Region of Brazil<br><b>Abstract in English</b>

Abstract

AIMS: To evaluate the lipid profile and its relationship with obesity in men from Flores da Cunha, Rio Grande do Sul. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study included men living in the county of Flores da Cunha, located in northeastern Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state in Brazil. Sociodemographic data were obtained through a questionnaire. Blood samples were taken at a health center and the biochemical analyzes were performed in the laboratory of Toxicology of the Centro Universitário Metodista do IPA. RESULTS: We studied 368 men whose ages ranged from 25 to 83 years, mean 49.3 years. Biochemical analysis showed the following average values: total cholesterol 211.3 mg/dL, triglycerides 178.3 mg/dL, HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol 46.4 mg/dL, and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol 132.4 mg/dL. There were significant differences when comparing results of triglycerides in body mass index (BMI) normal and obese subjects (p less than 0.001) and among overweight and obese groups (p=0.001). HDL cholesterol differed between groups with normal BMI and overweight (p less than 0.001) and between obese and normal BMI (p less than 0.001). The normal individuals had the lowest values of triglycerides and higher HDL cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: The data of approximately 80% of the sample presenting overweight and a relevant percentage presenting elevated plasma levels of lipids are cause for concern, considering the morbidity and mortality to which these factors are linked.