BARRIOS, Y. et al. Relation between leptin serun with weight and body fat distribution in postmenopausal women. []. , 25, 1, pp.80-84. ISSN 1699-5198.

Leptin is a peptidic hormone secreted by the fat tissue and plays an important role in body weight regulation. After menopause, weight gain increases as well as android-like obesity. Previous studies suggest a relationship between leptin level, body mass index (BMI) and fat distribution. Objective: To establish the relationships between serum leptin, BMI, waist circumference (WC), and waist/hip ratio (WHR). Methodology: 48 women under the age of 60 years and with amenorrhea for longer than one year were assessed. Leptin and estradiol (ELISA) levels were determined; normal values: 3.63-11.09 ng/mL and 0-65 pg/Ml. BMI (WHO), WC > 88 cm, and WHR > 0.80 were considered as indicators of cardiometabolic risk. Results: Mean age for the group was 54 ± 3.9 years; leptin: 8.4 ± 3.7 ng/mL, and estradiol: 17.6 ± 10.0 pg/mL; BMI: 27.0 ± 4.9 kg/m²; WC: 86.2 ± 8.6 cm; and WHR: 0.84 ± 0.06. Twenty percent of the women had hyperleptinemia, 58.4% malnourishment due to excessive intake, 35% presented WC cardiovascular risk. The highest leptin value was found in obese women. There was no association between serum leptin levels and anthropometrical variables. There was a significantly positive correlation between weight, height, BMI, WC, hip circumference, and estradiol. Conclusions: Postmenopausal women presented a high prevalence of overweight/obesity, android-like body fat distribution and normal serum leptin levels. The group assessed is considered to be at risk for cardiometabolic diseases according to anthropometrical indicators.

: Leptin; Postmenopausal period; BMI; WC; WHR.

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