Associations between white blood cells count and obesity in apparently healthy young adults

Abstract

PurposeThe elevated white blood cells (WBCs) count has been reported to be a predictor of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. This study aims to determine the associations between WBCs count and obesity in apparently healthy young adults.Design/methodology/approachIn this cross-sectional study, the authors evaluated the body mass index (BMI) in 392 apparently healthy young adults of both sexes. The WBCs count was measured using standard counter techniques. The inclusion criteria were the agreement to participate in the study, between 18 and 25 years of age, lack of self-reported diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, kidney and infectious diseases.FindingsAccording to the BMI classification, underweight and overweight or obesity were observed in 14.58 and 11.48 per cent of young adults, respectively. The mean WBC was 6.5 ± 1.5 (×10³ cells/µL). Higher values of WBCs were found in women than in men (p= 0.02). The young adults with higher BMI had a higher WBCs count. There was a positive correlation between WBCs count and weight and BMI (r = 0.19 and r = 0.22,p< 0.001, respectively).Research limitations/implicationsThis research was a cross-sectional study. Future studies are suggested using longitudinal studies to examine more relationships between obesity and WBCs count in apparently healthy young adults.Practical implicationsThe results of this study provide evidence for weight management in this age group to reduce diseases associated with increased WBCs count.Originality/valueThe WBCs count was related to increasing levels of BMI per cent 2 C even in the normal range.