Evaluation of body mass index and lipid profiles among Joseph Ayo Babalola University students, Ikeji Arakeji, Osun state, Nigeria

The aim of the study was to access the relationship between body mass index and lipid profiles among Joseph Ayo Babalola University Students as a means of evaluating their cardiovascular risk. This was a prospective longitudinal study carried out in Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji Arakeji, Osun State Students. The study was conducted within a period of 5 months (May– September 2024). A total of 90 students were selected from the recruitment process after consenting to participate in the study. The students recruited were grouped into the following categories: underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (BMI =18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI=25 – 30 kg/m2) and obese (BMI >30 kg/m2) based on BMI standard classification of weight. After categorization of study subjects, blood samples were drawn from the antecubital veins into lithium heparin bottles using standard antiseptic technique and blood pressures were taken using automated blood pressure device. Five millitres (5mls) of fasting blood samples collected from each subject into lithium heparin bottles was spun at 3500 rpm for 5 minutes to obtain plasma. Total cholesterol (TC) and Triglyceride (TG) were assayed based on enzymatic methods. High density lipoprotein (HDL) was assayed using precipitation and enzymatic method while low density lipoprotein (LDL) was calculated using Friedewald equation. The ANOVA results from the comparisons of the mean values of BMI obtained showed significance difference in underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese subjects while the mean values of the lipid parameters and blood pressure were statistically insignificant between the groups. The result of Pearson’s correlation showed no relationship positive association of BMI with total cholesterol in the underweight subjects. But there was no association of BMI and lipid profile in the overweight and obese subjects. In conclusion our study subjects are not posed with risk of metabolic disorders.