Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the relationship between hyperleptinemia, obesity and gender in
males and females.
Methods
This was an observational study carried out at Shifa College of Medicine from
January 2007 to June 2007. Serum leptin levels of ninety five healthy male and
female subjects were measured. Height and weight was recorded and BMI was
then calculated. Leptin levels were measured by DRG Leptin (sandwich) ELISA
EIA-2395.
Results
Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in the females (25.37±22.82 ng/ml)
as compared to the males (11.12±10.68 ng/ml). They were also higher in the
overweight and obese (BMI >25kg /m2) individuals (26.78±19.13 ng/ml) as
2
compared to the normal weight (BMI <25kg/m2) subjects (6.30±5.06 ng/ml) (P
value < 0.05).
Conclusion
Serum leptin levels of females were two times higher as compared to males.
Overweight and obese individuals showed higher serum leptin levels as compared
to lean and normal weight individuals. This indicates that gender and BMI are the
major determinants of serum leptin levels. (Rawal Med J 2009;34: ).

Key words: Leptin, body mass index, obesity, adiposity, gender.