Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT1111

Introduction: In 2022, 1 in 8 individuals globally lived with obesity. Approximately 2.5 billion adults aged 18 years and older were classified as overweight, including over 890 million adults with obesity. This equates to 43% of adults aged 18 years and over (43% of men and 44% of women). Obesity prevalence is notably higher in women. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is among the most common medical conditions worldwide, affecting approximately 29% of females of reproductive age, with iron deficiency accounting for 50% of cases. Iron is vital for hemoglobin synthesis, DNA synthesis mitochondrial energy production. Beyond anemia, iron deficiency (ID) can lead to significant health consequences, such as reduced physical and cognitive performance, particularly in non-pregnant females.

Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 343 non-pregnant women aged 15–45 years who visited the Wigmore Clinic endocrinology department between March 1, 2024, and December 30, 2024. The inclusion criteria included a body mass index (BMI) of 18–40 kg/m² and the absence of pregnancy, lactation, or specific chronic conditions (e.g., hematological, gastrointestinal, or gynecological diseases). Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and iron deficiency (ID) were assessed through hemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin levels. Descriptive statistics were calculated for continuous and categorical variables. The participants’ BMI ranged from 18 to 42 kg/m² (mean = 26.22, SD = 5.24). Hb levels ranged from 88 to 140 g/l(mean = 124.70, SD = 8.73), and ferritin levels ranged from 1 to 72 ng/ml (mean = 24.79, SD = 15.30). Most participants resided in urban areas (81.9%), were employed (64.4%), and had higher education levels (52.2%). Menstrual cycle abnormalities were reported by 8.5% of participants. BMI classifications included 38.2% normal weight, 38.2% overweight, and 23.6% obese. Ferritin categorization indicated 35.6% normal levels, 30.0% moderate ID, and 34.4% severe ID.

Results: The correlation between BMI and Hb was negligible (r = −0.001, P = 0.987), indicating no statistically significant relationship. However, a weak positive correlation was observed between BMI and ferritin levels (r = 0.114, P = 0.035), suggesting a slight increase in ferritin levels with rising BMI. This relationship, though weak, was statistically significant.

Conclusions: The findings highlight a statistically significant but weak association between BMI and ferritin levels, whereas no relationship was observed between BMI and Hb levels. These results underscore the importance of monitoring iron status in women of reproductive age, particularly in those with elevated BMI, to mitigate potential health consequences.