Serum leptin concentrations in Mongolian women

SummaryObjectiveThe aim of our study is to elucidate the association between leptin and obesity in Mongolian women.MethodTotal 181 women participated in the study including 118 Mongolians and 63 Han. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by weight (kg) divided by square height (m2). Percent body fat (%fat) was detected by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Fasting serum leptin was determined by ELISA.ResultThe average BMI and %fat of Mongolian and Han women was 25.14 ± 4.48 kg/m2, 24.30 ± 3.62 kg/m2 and 36.10 ± 6.23%, 33.84 ± 5.98%, respectively. Fasting serum leptin level in obese women (BMI ≥ 25) was remarkably higher than in normal weight women (18.5 < BMI < 25) in Mongolian and Han ethnic groups (all P < 0.001). Fasting serum leptin level in Mongolian women had borderline significance compared with it in Han women (P = 0.049). Multiple linear regression models revealed that ethnicity, %fat and BMI were associated with serum leptin concentrations independent of age.ConclusionIn Mongolian and Han women, fasting serum leptin level was positively associated with BMI and %fat (all P < 0.001).