Characterization of Serum Electrolytes Levels and Lipid Profile among Young Obese Saudi Females

Abstract

Background: A higher prevalence of electrolyte imbalance is observed among individuals who are obese when compared to the general  population. It has been observed that obesity contributes to electrolyte imbalance, which is one of the conspicuous consequences of this  physiological dysfunction. 

Aim: This study aims to evaluate serum electrolytes and lipid profiles among young obese Saudi females.   

Methods: The study was cross-sectional at Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The research included 350 obese females aged 20– 25 with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² . The study included students and employees aged 20–25 with a high BMI of 116 ≥30 kg/m² . A total of three hundred fifty people volunteered to take part in this study. Volunteers received self-administered screening  questionnaires to remove individuals who did not match the eligibility requirements. Participants were chosen using a random selection  approach, with the additional criteria of having no pre‑existing medical issues and a BMI ≥30 kg/ m² based on submitted information.   

Results: The mean age of the females with obesity was 21 ± 10.3 years who had body mass index (BMI ≥30 kg/ m² ). Approximately  28.57% of subjects had hypernatremia, 2.9% hyponatremia (P = 0.03), 28.57% hypokalemia, 2.8% hyperkalemia (P < 0.001), 30%  hypomagnesemia, and 2.9% hypermagnesemia (P < 0.001), 2.3% hypochloremia, 10.8% hyperchloremia. (P > 0.05) Notably, these  individuals also exhibited elevated levels of cholesterol (P = 0.04) and triglycerides (P < 0.001). There exists a correlation between BMI  levels and the levels of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides (r = 0.53, P = 0.04, r = 0.56, P = 0.04, r = 0.55, 181 P = 0.02,  respectively). The levels of Na⁺ exhibit a positive correlation with BMI (r = 54, P = 0.03), whereas the levels of K⁺ and Mg²⁺ demonstrate a  negative correlation (r = −0.53, P = 0.02, r = −0.54, P = 0.04, respectively). 

Conclusion: Young females in Saudi Arabia who are obese may have greater levels of sodium (Na⁺ ), decreased levels of potassium (K⁺ ), and elevated levels of triglycerides and cholesterol Addressing  these imbalances through targeted dietary and lifestyle interventions may be crucial for improving the health outcomes of these  individuals.