Conclusions
Anthropometric measures can be used as predictors for salivary ghrelin levels in healthy obese adults. However, they are poor predictors for salivary ghrelin levels in healthy lean, normal and overweight adults.
Methods
A sample of young adult males was divided into underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese groups, according to their BMI. Standardised methods were used to measure height, WC and HC. Total body fat, visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, total and regional muscle mass were assessed by bioelectrical impedance technique utilising Karada scan. Salivary ghrelin concentrations were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results
A total of 90 adult males were included in the analysis (underweight n=9, normal weight n=41, overweight n=22, and obese n=18). One-way ANOVA test revealed significant differences among the groups in all of the variables except height and salivary ghrelin levels. Multiple linear regression revealed a significant association between salivary ghrelin levels with total fat, subcutaneous fat, visceral fat and muscle mass in the obese group. The analysis also revealed that BMI, WC, HC, WHR and WHtR were reliable predictors for salivary ghrelin levels in the obese group but not in other groups. Conclusions: Anthropometric measures can be used as predictors for salivary ghrelin levels in healthy obese adults. However, they are poor predictors for salivary ghrelin levels in healthy lean, normal and overweight adults.