Obesity as a risk factor for neuropathy: a case-control study

Neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes associated with metabolic issues, lacks clarity regarding its prevalence in metabolically healthy obese versus non-obese individuals. Our study aims to compare neuropathy rates between those with and those without obesity and who are metabolically healthy.

We included individuals aged 20-50, one group with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m² (metabolically healthy and obese) and another with a BMI < 30 kg/m² (metabolically healthy and non-obese). Exclusion criteria encompassed diabetes, hypertension, chronic renal disease, vitamin B12 deficiency, anemia, primary amyloidosis, immune system disorders, malignancy, active infection, and paraneoplastic syndromes. Patients underwent assessments using the Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS) and modified Neuropathy Disability Score (mNDS).

The median scores for NSS and mNDS were higher among metabolically healthy obese individuals than non-obese participants (2 (1-4) vs. 0 (0-1) for NSS; p < 0.001 and 4 (2-5) vs. 2 (1-4) for mNDS; p < 0.001). Individuals with obesity had a 110.09 times higher likelihood of experiencing neuropathy compared to those without obesity. The severity of neuropathy was significantly greater in the metabolically healthy group with obesity. There were no statistically significant differences in anthropometric and laboratory values between participants with and without neuropathy, except for triglyceride levels. Patients with neuropathy exhibited higher triglyceride levels compared to those without neuropathy.

Our study demonstrated a higher prevalence of neuropathy among metabolically healthy obese individuals in comparison to those who were metabolically healthy and non-obese.