A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Association between Serum Testosterone Levels and BMI in the Adult Age Group

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the association between serum testosterone levels and Body mass index (BMI) in the adult age group. STUDY DESIGN: It was a randomized cross sectional study PLACE AND DURATION: The study was carried out at the Physiology Department of Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi from March 2010 to March 11. METHODS: The sample size was 56 male medical students (aged 18-25 years). Serum total testosterone levels were analyzed by Enzyme Linked Immunofluorescent Assay technique. Height and weight of all the students were measured using calibrated scales. Body Mass Index (BMI = Weight in kg/ Height in square meters) was calculated for each student. The positive and negative control samples were used with each batch to make sure the quality of results. RESULTS: The serum total testosterone levels decrease with the increase in BMI in the male adults aged 18-25 years. The mean serum testosterone levels of the adult males having mean BMI of 21.52 ±2.01 were 6.92±2.06 (ng/ml) (p=0.000). Those having mean BMI of 27.03±1.30 the serum testosterone levels were 6.72± 2.04 (ng/ml) (p=0.001). In case of 35.14 ±2.31 BMI, the levels were 6.37±0.19 (ng/ml) (p=0.039). CONCLUSION: In the adult age group serum total testosterone levels were significantly negatively related to BMI.