Changes in symptoms, blood pressure, glucose, hormones, and lipid levels according to weight and body fat distribution in climacteric women

Objective-To evaluate how symptoms, blood pressure, glucose, hormones and l ipid levels are modified in climacteric women according to obesity and body fat distribution. Methods-One hundred and thirteen women were studied and divided initially according to body mass index (BMI), and afterward to wais t-hip ratio (WHR). Climacteric symptoms, blood pressure, fasting and post-b reakfast glucose, hormone and lipid levels were analyzed. Statistical analy sis was done by the chi square and Mann-Whitney U tests, and the relation o f BMI and WHR with several variables was assessed by linear regression anal ysis. Results-When dividing patients according to BMI, the only differences were found in age, number of diabetic and hypertensive patients, and value s of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which were greater in the obese group. When dividing according to WHR it was found that high-density lipop roteins were lower in those with upper segment body fat distribution. Subgr oup analysis showed that chronic diseases are frequently found in obese wom en, while android body fat distribution has an additive effect on obesity i n some of these variables. Conclusion-Chronic diseases are more frequently found in obese women, but most of the metabolic alterations are modified by body fat distribution in the upper segment.