Anthropometric Indices and Lipid Profiles in Tertiary Institution Students

Abstract

Anthropometric indices and lipid profiles are useful markers of malnutrition and could reveal risk of cardiovascular disease. This work aimed at evaluating the anthropometric indices and lipid profiles in students of tertiary institutions.Anthropometric indices and lipid profiles were evaluated in 200 students of students of tertiary institutions including Achievers University and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Nigeria, aged 18 -46 years, comprising 95 males and 105 females recruited for this study. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height, and waist and hips circumference were measured. Body mass index and waist-hip ratio were also calculated. Fasting lipid profile including total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides (TG) were estimated biochemically by auto chemistry analyzer. The results showed statistically significant higher mean values of mid arm circumference (MAC) and triglycerides (TG) in the University students than the Polytechnic students studied (p<0.05). A significantly higher mean value of low density lipoprotein (LDL) was obtained in the Polytechnic students than in the University students with p<0.05. The result also showed a significantly higher mean value of MAC, TC, and LDL in females than their male counterparts (p<0.05). A significantly higher mean value of total triglyceride was, however, obtained in males than in the female students (p<0.05). This work revealed statistical differences in the MAC, plasma TG, LDL, and TC based on the category of school and gender. We therefore recommend routine measurement of anthropometric indices and blood lipid levels for early detection of malnutrition to avoid complications such as cardiovascular disease.