Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the role of inflammatory and hematological markers in predicting visceral obesity among Iraqi adults.
Methodology: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Merjan Medical City from January to September 2025, involving 100 participants aged 18-59 years, equally divided into obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) and non-obese (BMI <30 kg/m²) groups. Anthropometric indices, including waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT), were measured, alongside laboratory parameters such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hemoglobin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP).
Results: Inflammatory markers were strongly elevated in the obese group. NLR, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, and CRP levels were all significantly increased, with 56% of obese participants exhibiting CRP ≥5 mg/L versus only 4% in non-obese individuals (p<0.0001). Multivariate regression identified CRP, WC, and VAT as key independent predictors of obesity-related changes, while hemoglobin and age showed no significant associations. Interestingly, MCV was significantly lower among obese participants, suggesting subtle hematological alterations.
Conclusion: Central adiposity measures combined with inflammatory indices, particularly CRP, NLR, and platelet-lymphocyte ratio, provide valuable markers for early detection of visceral obesity. These findings underscore the importance of integrating biochemical and anthropometric assessments in obesity risk stratification.

Key words: Inflammatory, markers, predictors, visceral, obesity.