LAUSR

Abstract The aim of the present work is to investigate the levels of trace and macro elements including copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), iodine (I), sodium (Na), potassium (K), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and lead (Pb) in hair sample of young Saudi females with or without obesity. This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2018 and 2019 among 75 young Saudi females aged ≥20 years. In this study, obese (n = 30) and non-obese (n = 45) participants. The hair samples of participants were analysed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer after samples underwent wet acid digestion method. The obtained data revealed a significantly higher level of Ca, K, Na, Pb and Mg and lower Mn, Cr and Zn levels in hair amongst the obese group when compared to the non-obese group participants. The results of the present study have demonstrated the changes in elemental content in the hair of young obese Saudi females. Although obesity poses a risk for element imbalances, the general etiopathogenesis of obesity and/or its related metabolic disorders may be at least partially mediated by altered trace and macro elements.