Associations between Metabolites and Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study in South African Adults with HIV Restricted; Files Only

Abstract

Background: HIV infection puts individuals at increased risk for obesity and related chronic illnesses, and the link between specific metabolites and body mass index within this population, especially among those of African ancestry, is not well-defined. By using validated metabolites, this study aims to identify potential associations with BMI and develop targeted interventions to address health disparities in underrepresented populations.

Methods: This study conducted a cross-sectional study of 340 participants to investigate the association between metabolites and BMI. Linear regression was used to test the associations between validated metabolites and BMI while controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and smoking status.

Results: Among the 154 validated metabolites, there were 20 with significant associations with BMI. 1-naphthylamine and tryptophan had the most statistically significant associations (p-value < 0.001), and phenylalanine, a replicated metabolite identified in prior studies, was also found to be highly significant (p-value = 0.004).

Discussion: The association between tryptophan and phenylalanine with BMI and obesity-related diseases may have significant public health implications as obesity is a major risk factor for a range of chronic illnesses. Future studies need to consider social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and SES, in addressing obesity-related health disparities. Further research is required to establish a concrete relationship and determine the precise association and validity of these metabolites with obesity-related outcomes.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Background 2

Methods 5

Results 7

Discussion 13

Conclusion 16

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Epidemiology
Subfield / Discipline	Global Epidemiology - MPH & MSPH
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health Health Sciences, Epidemiology
Keyword	LMIC HIV Obesity Metabolomics BMI
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Sun, Yan, Emory University
Committee Members	Marconi, Vincent, Emory University

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