Body Mass Index Has Significant Moderate Positive Correlation with High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Overweight and Obese Thai Adults

Abstract

Background: Thailand's population is becoming more sedentary, while obesity, another major health issue, is rising worldwide. This trend increases non-communicable disease risk, especially cardiovascular disease. Chronic low-grade systemic inflammation caused by adipose tissue inflammation can be recognized by a rise in hs-CRP, a biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk. According to earlier studies, hs-CRP is significantly greater in obese people and related to lesser physical activity, but obesity may influence the results.

Objectives: This study aimed to study the association between total physical activity, screen time, and hs-CRP in overweight and obese adults. This study also examines screen time, a sedentary behavior indicator.

Materials and Method: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted in 21 healthy, normal-weight, overweight, and obese Thai adults aged between 20 and 40 years old. Subjects’ body weight and height were measured, and they were interviewed to answer the GPAQ questionnaire and screen time questionnaire.

Results: Using the Pearson correlation coefficient, total physical activity and screen time had no significant correlation with hs-CRP (p > 0.05), while there was a significant, moderate positive correlation between BMI and hs-CRP (r = 0.462, p = 0.035).

Conclusion: Total physical activity and screen time had no significant correlation with hs-CRP in overweight and obese adults. However, BMI had a significant moderate positive correlation with hs-CRP.