CORRELATION OF SERUM LEPTIN, BMI AND BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS OF WOMEN TRADERS IN CREEK ROAD MARKET, PORT HARCOUT, NIGERIA

Background: Leptin is required to maintain normal body weight, as it lowers food intake and increases energy expenditure. With the rising prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular diseases, understanding the relationship between leptin, BMI, and blood pressure is crucial for targeted public health interventions in women traders. Method: The cross-sectional study involved 150 women traders within the age bracket of 20 and 60years. Blood pressure measurements were done using standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Blood sample was taken for analysis of serum leptin using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method while the BMI was calculated from the weight and height measurements of these subjects. Results: The results indicated a significant positive correlation between serum leptin levels and BMI (R2 = 0.5707, p < 0.001) and a positive correlation with waist hip ratio (WHR) 0f R2 = 0.1291, p < 0.001, suggesting that higher adiposity is associated with increased leptin concentrations. Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between serum leptin, systolic blood pressure (R2 = 0.2114, p < 0.001) and diastolic pressure (R2 = 0.16, p < 0.001) implying that blood pressure increases with the levels of leptin. However, in this study, the mean SP (117.67±12.35mmHg), DP (79.07±5.58mmHg) and leptin (3.56±0.93ng/ml) were within reference range. Conclusion: These observations highlight the potential role of leptin as a contributory factor for developing obesity and some related hypertensive complications which might lead to health implications. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions among women traders in Port Harcourt. It is therefore recommended that these parameters be monitored regularly as part of the assessment of health status to avoid incidence of obesity related complications resulting from the sedentary lifestyles. It also can aid in early identification of at-risk individuals among the market women.