Relationship between obesity, physical activity, sleeping hours and red blood cell parameters in adult Sudanese population

Abstract

Ideal body weight with proper physical activity and good sleep are essential parameters for good quality of life. This study is concerned with assessing the association of general obesity, physical activity and sleeping hours with hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and red blood cell (RBC) parameters in healthy adults in Sudan. In this cross sectional study, 1086 healthy adults between 20 and 60 years were included out of which 275 were males and 811 were females. A complete blood count (CBC) was performed for Hb, RBC count, PCV, MCH and MCHC using Sysmex KX-21 automated hematology analyzer. The median and 95 percentile (2.5th to 97.5th) range values for Hb and RBC count in underweight were 13.0 (Range: 9.6-16.7) g/dl and 4.6 (Range: 3.6-5.8) ×1000/µL respectively, while Hb and RBC count in obese were 13.1 (Range: 10.4-17.0) g/dl and 4.6 (Range: 3.7-5.9) ×1000/µL respectively, with no significant difference. The RBC count (p=0.004) and Hb (p≤0.001) were significantly high in physically active compared to physically inactive participants; whereas the hemoglobin concentration (p=0.047), red blood cells (p=0.007) and hematocrit (p≤0.001) values were significantly low in long-term sleep compared to normal sleeping hours. In conclusion, there were no significant differences in hemoglobin concentration, RBC count, PCV, MCH and MCHC between under weight, normal weight, overweight and obese persons. Increased physical activity was associated with higher Hb levels and RBC counts, while long-term sleep showed lower Hb and RBCs.

Alterations of Body Composition, Blood Morphology and Fibrinogen Concentration after Vibration Therapy in Older Adult Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In the studies of Theodorou et al [40], conducted on a group of 28 healthy women using vibration training for 8 weeks at a frequency of 25 Hz, also no changes in the level of erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets were confirmed. However, studies conducted on a group of physically active people showed an increase in the concentration of erythrocytes and hemoglobin compared to people leading a sedentary lifestyle [41]. Regular aerobic training lasting longer than 12 weeks caused a decrease in haemoglobin level [42].…”

Association of BMI (Body Mass Index) to hemoglobin and red blood cell indices among adolescents.

“…15,16 As body mass index (BMI) is increases, hemoglobin (Hb%) level decreases in the adolescents students like that results were observed in study this inverse association between high BMI or obesity and anemia is due to increase intake of high caloric junk foods. 7,17 The coexistence of overweight or obesity and anemia could be result of the energy dense foods consumption on regular bases as these are poor in iron content or it occurs due to poor iron absorption from gut and /or poor utilization that may occur due to chronic inflammation. 18 Iranian study was observed also that higher prevalence of anemia (iron deficiency) in students with high BMI.…”

“…20,21 Overweight and obesity or high BMI is characterized by chronic, low-grade, systemic inflammation, that leads to anemia of chronic disease 15 associated with inflammation (sub-clinical) which is responsible for the development of anemia. 7 Many researchers had observed that anemia had directly association with physical inactivity or lack of exercise, lack of extracurricular activities and generalized obesity. 22,23,24 Anemia mainly affects the physical performance or extracurricular activities, school or college performance, daily attendants in classes, difficulty in concentration in studies, which ultimately distracts the normal health and socioeconomic status.…”

“…High BMI or obesity is associated with subclinical inflammation that leads to development of anemia. 7 Anemia (decreased Hb% concentration below normal level or decreased erythrocyte count below normal level) is a global problem and it occurs more in the developing countries. It occurs due to dysfunction in the production of erythrocytes (erythropoiesis), recycling and regulation of erythrocytes or red blood cells (RBCs).…”