Analysis of the correlation between anthropometric indices and levels of selected hormones in relation to problematic internet use: blood parameters in problematic internet use

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between anthropometric indices and the concentration of hormonal parameters in relation to problematic Internet use or even addiction. The study was conducted in 2020-2021 on a group of 427 men aged 18-30 (24.82 ± 3.83) who declared that they used the Internet and played computer games and/or online games, including gambling. Participation in the study was voluntary and anonymous. Anthropometric indices, HOMA-IR as well as biochemical and hormonal parameters were calculated. Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) and Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) positively correlate with both the moderate (LAP r = 0.41; p = 0.000), (VAI r = 0.043; p = 0.000) and high degree (LAP r = 0.40; p = 0.004), (VAI r = 0.37; p = 0.004) in the IUT. In multivariate logistic regression, a correlation between testosterone (TT) in the anthropometric indices- LAP, VAI and Body Adiposity Index (BAI)-and the moderate and high degrees in the IUT questionnaire is found. Our study highlights the usefulness of anthropometric indices in assessing hormone distribution and glucose metabolism. VAI can be used as a marker for estimating the risk of metabolic disorders. Serotonin, together with LAP and VAI, increases with the degree of Internet use in the IUT questionnaire, which predisposes to cardiovascular problems. Internet addiction is an important independent risk factor for clinicians to use in assessment along with physical activity and psychosocial problems, but they also indicate the risk of fertility problems in increasingly younger men due to hormonal disorders.