Abstract

Background: Obesity is the most emerging problem in today’s time. It is responsible for many metabolic as well as psychological ailments. Obesity and autonomic involvement have been studied, but evidence regarding the same is controversial. Obesity can no longer be considered as a silent epidemic in the new age scenario. Although people consider obesity a problem, it can still be regarded as one of the most overlooked public health issues. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to study the relationship between obesity and autonomic function tests.
Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out in 86 male volunteers in the age group of 18–25 years. 40 of the subjects were included in the obese group, body mass index (BMI >30 kg/m2 ) and the other 46 were included in the non-obese group (BMI < 0.014). Low frequency/HF was significantly altered in the obese group (P < 0.05). SDNN was significantly lesser in obese when compared to non-obese (P < 0.05). SSR latencies and amplitudes when compared between obese and non-obese did not reveal statistically significant results. However, both SSR amplitude and latency were lesser in the obese group when compared to non-obese. Tests indicate decreased parasympathetic activity in obese individuals. Conclusion: The link between obesity and autonomic functions if detected earlier in the long run will pave the way for a healthier life. This, in turn, may help in preventing cardiovascular morbidity which, in turn, reduces the burden on the society as a whole.