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The Impact of Helicobacter Pylori Infection on Appetite Regulation and Body Weight in the Population of Ninewa Governorate, Iraq

19 Pages Posted: 2 Apr 2025

See all articles by Rana Talib Al-Nafakh

Rana Talib Al-Nafakh

University of Kufa

Thanaa Shams Aldeen Al-Turaihi

University of Kufa

Suaad Mohammed Rasheed

University of Kufa

Sumaya Najim Abedali Al-Khateeb

University of Kufa

Saif Y. Hasan

National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar

More...

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the impact of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection on leptin hormone levels, appetite regulation, and body weight, comparing infected patients with uninfected individuals. Gastric ulcers are a common health concern in the Iraqi population, with H. pylori identified as a significant bacterial cause. Beyond gastritis, H. pylori infection is associated with complications that may disrupt leptin hormone levels, influencing appetite and body weight.

This case-control study included 382 patients from a population of 60,000 individuals residing in Mosul, Iraq, a city with an estimated population of 1.5 million. Based on previous studies, approximately 0.02% of the city’s population is affected by gastric ulcers linked to H. pylori. Patient samples were collected by a team of highly skilled clinicians, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.

The results demonstrate that H. pylori infection negatively affects body weight, largely due to alterations in leptin hormone levels and their subsequent impact on appetite regulation. These findings underscore the broader implications of H. pylori infection on patient health, particularly in regions with high prevalence rates.

Keywords: H. pylori, Leptin hormone, Appetite regulation, Body weight

Suggested Citation

Al-Nafakh, Rana Talib and Al-Turaihi, Thanaa Shams Aldeen and Rasheed, Suaad Mohammed and Al-Khateeb, Sumaya Najim Abedali and Hasan, Saif Y., The Impact of Helicobacter Pylori Infection on Appetite Regulation and Body Weight in the Population of Ninewa Governorate, Iraq. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=5192804 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5192804

Rana Talib Al-Nafakh

University of Kufa ( email )

Thanaa Shams Aldeen Al-Turaihi

University of Kufa ( email )

Suaad Mohammed Rasheed

University of Kufa ( email )

Sumaya Najim Abedali Al-Khateeb

University of Kufa ( email )

Saif Y. Hasan (Contact Author)

National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar ( email )