Effect of obesity on nerve conduction study in an urban population of a developing country

Abstract

Background: Lipids are major components of neurons. Both deficiencies of fat (malnutrition) and excess adiposity (obesity) are expected to interfere in neuronal structure and functions. Aims: The aim of the study is to find correlation of nerve conduction study and obesity in an urban population of a developing country. Materials and Methods: One hundred age- and sex-matched subjects willing to participate in the study were included after taking Institutional Ethics Committee clearance and informed consent of the subject. Age of the subjects was in between 18 years and 60 years. They were divided into two groups: obese and nonobese. Their weight, height, waist/hip ratio (WHR), and limb length were measured. Proximal latency, distal latency, motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), and F-wave latency of median and tibial nerve were recorded. Results: Result showed a significant difference in body mass index (BMI), WHR, between the obese and nonobese group, but there was no difference in age. There was a significant difference of motor nerve conduction velocities of the right and left median nerve and the right and left tibial nerve in the obese and nonobese group of subject with obese subjects having lower values. F-wave latency of median nerve and tibial nerve were significantly higher in the obese subjects as compared to the nonobese group. BMI and WHR were negatively correlated with MNCV but positively correlated with F-wave latency. Distal latency was significantly increased in the obese group in median nerve of both sides, but in tibial nerve, no difference was found. Proximal latency was significantly increased in the obese group of all studied nerves. Conclusion: The present study concludes that there is slowing of motor nerve conduction in obese subjects. This biological factor has to be taken into consideration while interpreting nerve conduction studies.