Obese adolescent health assessment using haematology parameters-a cross sectional study in rural area of vadodara in gujarat

Background & Objective: Many adolescent boys and girls are Hb -deficient, but it is unclear whether Hb deficiency is associated with other nutritional risk indicators. The present study aimed to investigate the association between Hb deficiency and weight status (measured as BMI) among a representative sample of adolescent population.
Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study apparently healthy subjects were selected by systematic random sampling among all students. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for Hb, haematocrit, RBC count, Reticulocyte count with other hematological parameters, Weight and height were measured. BMI was calculated and compared with age and gender-specific BMI reference values. A total 100 adolescent subjects out of 25 adolescent over weight girls and 45 adolescent overweight Boys of aged 17-19 years were included with prior consent.
Results: In our study 15.3% of the participants were at risk for Anemia and 9.5% of them were overweight with Anemia. An inverse association was found between Hemoglobin and BMI. Anemia was more prevalent among overweight adolescents (P<0.001). Other hematological parameters are also significant (P <0.01)
Conclusions: An inverse association was found between BMI and Hemoglobin. Overweight adolescents demonstrated an increased prevalence of Nutrional-deficiency anemia. It seems that both abnormalities of weight and Hemoglobin status should simultaneously be targeted in overweight adolescents by proper dietary intake.