Serum lipid levels and body fat distribution in obese females.

Serum triglyceride levels were significantly raised in 37 markedly obese females, especially in the younger subjects; cholesterol and phospholipid levels were normal. Considerable variation in triglyceride levels of equally obese subjects was observed. No relationship was noted between triglyceride levels and the pattern of subcutaneous fat distribution. It is suggested that the high triglyceride levels of obese subjects may explain their predisposition to ischaemic heart disease.