Serum leptin concentration, obesity, and insulin resistance in Western Samoans: cross sectional study

Abstract Objective: To measure serum leptin concentrations in the Polynesian population of Western Samoa and to examine epidemiological associations of leptin with anthropometric, demographic, behavioural, and metabolic factors in this population with a high prevalence of obesity and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Design: Cross sectional study, leptin concentration being measured in a subgroup of a population based sample. Subjects: 240 Polynesian men and women aged 28–74 years were selected to cover the full range of age, body mass index, and glucose tolerance. Main outcome measurements: Serum leptin, insulin, and glucose concentrations; anthropometric measures; physical activity; and area of residence. Results: Leptin concentrations were correlated with body mass index (r = 0.80 in men, 0.79 in women) and waist circumference (r = 0.82 in men, 0.78 in women) but less so with waist to hip ratio. At any body mass index, leptin concentration was higher in women than men (geometric mean adjusted for body mass index 15.3 v 3.6 pg/1, P