Melatonin Level Variations with Different Behavioural Risk Factors in Obese Female Patients.

OBJECTIVE

The role of behavioural factors and sleep duration and quality is important in the pathogenesis of obesity. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of behavioural risk factors on melatonin secretion in women.

METHODS

In total, 120 female patients were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups according to the body mass index. Detailed history, anthropometric measurements, urine and blood samples were evaluated for each patient.

RESULTS

Two groups significantly differed in weight, BMI, and waist circumference, and were 94.2 ± 14.9 kg, 33.4 ± 5.23 kg/m2 and 99.2 ± 12.6 cm for the study group and 56.0 ± 5.2 kg, 20.0 ± 1.8 kg/m2 and 60.1 ± 10.4 cm for the control group, respectively, sleep disruptions were detected in 48 patients from study group, with mean score 6.76 ± 3.6, and only 10 patients were detected in the control group, with mean score 4.42 ± 1.68. Eating disturbances were revealed in 66 patients from the study group and 21 patients from the control group. Melatonin levels were 17% higher in the study group, compared to control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher melatonin levels in patients with obesity and concomitant behavioural impairments may be due to its protective effect to fight free radicals and to induce vasodilatation. Further studies are needed to confirm our finding.