Differential influence of gender on body mass index in healthy subjects and subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction: The research in the last decade emphasizes the need for uncovering the gender differences in vulnerability to and the impact of, specific health conditions. Therefore this study was undertaken to evaluate sex difference in body mass index (BMI) an indicator of obesity in healthy subjects and subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: BMI was calculated in male and female healthy subjects ( n= 87 and 54 respectively) and in male and female diabetics (n= 115 and 91 respectively) BMI was compared among the male and female healthy and diabetic subjects by employing Kruskal-Wallis test followed by multiple comparison by Dunn test. P < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Result: In healthy subjects BMI was significantly higher in males compared to females (P < 0.05). In type 2 diabetics BMI was significantly higher in females compared to males (P< 0.001). BMI of female diabetics was significantly higher compared to healthy females (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in BMI between healthy males and type 2 diabetic males. Conclusion: There is a differential influence of sex on BMI in health and in type 2 diabetes. In healthy subjects BMI is higher in males and in type 2 diabetics, females have higher BMI compared to their counterparts.