Weight Reduction Pre-Surgery Testing Package

Blood test package with home collection.

When should you take the Weight Loss Blood Test Package?

The Weight Loss Blood Test Package is recommended for anyone looking to shed excess weight, adopt a healthier lifestyle, or simply assess their overall health status. It's especially advisable if your BMI is equal to or greater than 25.

Why is it worth taking the Weight Loss Blood Test Package?

Every extra kilogram that pushes your BMI to 25 or above is a literal burden on your body. According to the AAOS (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons), each extra kilogram adds 5 kg of pressure on the knees. That means even a small excess weight of 5 kg adds 25 kg of pressure on each knee! This accelerates joint wear and can lead to degeneration or even disability over time.

Consequences of excess weight and poor lifestyle habits may include:

• type II diabetes (9/10 diabetics also suffer from obesity);
• cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks, strokes, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, hypertension);
• liver and kidney diseases;
• gout;
• hormonal disorders, including infertility;
• certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer;
• joint and bone degeneration.

The Weight Loss Blood Test Package allows you to monitor your health regarding the conditions listed above.

How often should the Weight Loss Blood Test Package be taken?

Preventively once a year or more often if you're tracking your progress in lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments. If you're on a weight loss diet, it's advisable to monitor blood parameters every six months to ensure the diet isn't too restrictive and doesn't cause deficiencies. If you're diagnosed with conditions and taking medications, follow your doctor's recommendations.

How to prepare for the Weight Loss Blood Test?

• Schedule the test in the morning between 7–10 AM.
• Be fasting for the test – have your last meal 12 hours before the blood draw.
• Avoid alcohol 2–3 days before the tests.
• Avoid stressful situations and intense physical exertion before the test.
• Don't change your diet in the days leading up to the test. Avoid overeating or fasting to ensure accurate results.
• Drink a glass of water 30 minutes before the test.

Full list of tests in the package:

• Complete blood count (CBC)

Helps detect inflammation, anemia due to iron, B12, or folic acid deficiency, and blood clotting disorders. Overweight and obesity, as chronic diseases, may lead to anemia development.

• Liver panel (ALT, AST, ALP, BIL, GGTP)

Liver enzymes indicate liver function and are used in diagnosing liver and bile duct diseases. Overweight and obesity commonly lead to gallstones and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

• HOMA-IR (Insulin Resistance Index)

Used to assess insulin resistance and its risk. It measures how sensitive tissues (especially muscle and fat) are to insulin – often reduced in overweight and obese individuals.

• Lipid profile (CHOL, HDL, non-HDL, LDL, TG)

Assesses lipid metabolism and cardiovascular disease risk. Obese individuals are more likely to develop hyperlipidemia, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

• Electrolytes (Na, K)

Essential for fluid balance, nerve function, and detecting dehydration or kidney issues.

• SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)

Transports sex hormones like testosterone and estradiol. Abnormal levels may be linked to obesity, liver or thyroid issues, and hormonal disorders.

• Testosterone

Regulates male reproductive and sexual function. Levels may be abnormal in obese individuals.

• Estradiol

High estradiol contributes to fat accumulation around the belly and hips in both men and women.

• Cortisol

Stress hormone that also affects metabolism and fat storage when levels are chronically elevated.

• Prolactin

May affect weight, mood, and fertility. High levels can be related to pituitary, thyroid, or kidney conditions.

• TSH

Thyroid hormone regulator. An imbalance may cause fatigue, weight gain, and cognitive issues.

• Vitamin D 25(OH)

Low levels are common in overweight individuals due to impaired absorption and storage in fat tissues.

• Magnesium

Involved in metabolism, heart, and muscle function. Deficiency may contribute to hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.

• Total calcium

Essential for muscle, nerve, and heart function, bone strength, and blood clotting.

• Inorganic phosphorus

Supports bone and nerve health. Imbalances may be linked to heart and joint problems.

• Uric acid

Indicator of gout and kidney problems. Often elevated in obesity and metabolic syndrome.

• CRP (quantitative)

Inflammation marker often elevated in obese individuals.

• Urea, creatinine (eGFR)

Kidney function markers. Obese individuals have a higher risk of kidney disease and hypertension.

• Total protein

Used in general health assessment and kidney diagnostics.

• Albumin

Main transport protein in blood. Low levels may indicate liver damage.

Factors affecting test results

• Time of day (some parameters fluctuate diurnally);
• Use of medications or supplements.

Result interpretation

Abnormal values may indicate common obesity-related conditions such as:

• Type II diabetes;
• Cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, hypertension);
• Liver and kidney diseases;
• Gout;
• Hormonal imbalances, including infertility;
• Certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer;
• Joint and bone degeneration;
• Mood disorders.