Abstract
Background: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Elevations of C-reactive protein (CRP) have recently been shown to be independently predictive of future cardiovascular events. Elevated CRP has also been associated with central obesity, and other features of the metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to assess the relationship between CRP and obesity in healthy young adults.
Methods: CRP, non-fasting total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, Lp(a) lipoprotein [Lp(a)], blood pressure, fitness (VO₂max), socioeconomic status, smoking status and anthropometric measurements were determined in 828 men and women aged 26 years.
Results: C-reactive protein levels (mg/L) according to obesity, adjusted for sex, childhood and adult socioeconomic position (Model 1) and for total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, Lp (a), systolic and diastolic bloodpressure, VO₂max and smoking (Model 2).
Conclusions: CRP is independently related to obesity in healthy young adults. Chronic inflammation may contribute to the increased risk of atherosclerotic disease associated with obesity.