Is Helicobacter pylori seropositivity related to body mass index in the United States?

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection may decrease serum ghrelin and increase gastric leptin levels, which may, in turn, decrease body mass index. Aim: To determine whether H. pylori seropositivity is associated with body mass index. Methods: Serum H. pylori and cytotoxin-associated gene product A (CagA) antibody levels were measured on 6724 adult participants of the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-91). We evaluated the association between H. pylori/CagA antibody status [both negative (-/-), H. pylori-positive/CagA-negative (+/-), or both positive (+/+)] and body mass index, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. We also investigated whether H. pylori/cytotoxin-associated gene product A antibody status was associated with fasting serum leptin levels. Results: H. pylori/CagA antibody status was not associated with obesity (body mass index >= 30 kg/m(2)) [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.2, 95% CI: 0.9-1.6 comparing (+/+) to (-/-) and adjusted OR 1.1, 95% CI: 0.8-1.5 comparing (+/-) to (-/-)], overweight (body mass index 25 to < 30 kg/m(2)) [adjusted OR 1.0, 95% CI: 0.7-1.2 comparing (+/+) to (-/-) and adjusted OR 1.0, 95% CI: 0.8-1.3 comparing (+/-) to (-/-)], or fasting serum leptin level in the USA population. Conclusions: H. pylori seropositivity and CagA antibody status are not associated with body mass index or fasting serum leptin level.