Obesity: Effect on sympathetic nervous system

Abstract

Obesity is recognized as a major, worldwide, health problem. Excess weight greatly increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and renal diseases. The present study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Index Medical College, and Indore. 50 obese (25 male and 25 female) and 50 non-obese (25 male and 25 female) were included. Sympathetic tests were performed on both the groups. All data are expressed as mean± standard deviation. Comparison between groups (obese male, non-obese male, obese female and non-obese female) was performed using the student's t-test (t-test for two independent samples / Two-tailed test). Differences was considered significance at p < 0.05. It was observed that young obese adults had reduced sympathetic activity. This altered balance of the autonomic nervous system increases the risk of cardiovascular disorders.