"EFFECTS OF OBESITY ON BIOCHEMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL METABOLIC PATHWAYS IN WOMEN" A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL ANALYSIS

Introduction: Obesity is a complex, multifactorial condition characterized by excessive adipose tissue accumulation that poses significant risks to overall health. In women obesity not only impacts physical appearance and quality of life but also plays a profound role in altering biochemical and physiological metabolic pathways. These alterations contribute to the onset and progression of various comorbid conditions including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and certain cancers. Objective: To compare and evaluate the biochemical and physiological alterations in metabolic pathways associated with obese and non-obese in women Material and Methods: This study employed a comparative, cross-sectional clinical research design to assess and analyze the biochemical and physiological metabolic pathway alterations in obese and non-obese women. A total of 100 adult female participants, aged between 25 and 50 years, were recruited from outpatient department of Gulab Devi teaching hospital Lahore. By examining key metabolic markers and physiological indicators, this study seeks to provide deeper insights into the sex-specific implications of obesity and inform targeted approaches for prevention and management. Results: The study revealed significant alterations in several biochemical and physiological metabolic pathways among obese women compared to non-obese controls. Elevated levels of fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR index, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol were observed in the obese group, indicating a pronounced state of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Additionally, markers of inflammation such as CRP and hormonal profile markers were significantly higher in obese participants, while antioxidant enzyme activity was reduced. Conclusion: This comparative clinical study demonstrates that obesity in women is significantly associated with adverse alterations in biochemical and physiological metabolic pathways. These include impaired glucose metabolism, heightened insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, systemic inflammation, and reduced cardiovascular and respiratory efficiency. The findings underscore the complex interplay between obesity and metabolic dysfunctions, highlighting the importance of early detection, lifestyle modification, and targeted interventions to mitigate long-term health risks in obese women.