Vitamin D is a lipid-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in regulating the immune system, electrolyte reabsorption, skeletal function, and parathyroid function1,2. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with several illnesses, including preeclampsia, childhood dental caries, periodontitis, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, and neurological disorders2.

Research on children and adults has shown that individuals with obesity tend to have lower vitamin D levels. Low serum 25(OH)D is positively associated with higher BMI3,4.

Some studies suggest that the rising prevalence of vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the increasing rates of general and abdominal obesity. However, while some research supports this link, others reject it, indicating that further studies are needed to confirm any causal relationship5.

Ultimately, adopting a healthy lifestyle through proper diet and regular exercise should be the first step in addressing both obesity and vitamin D deficiency. Nonetheless, vitamin D supplementation remains a treatment option for those with clinically confirmed deficiency2.

References:

  1. Parva, Naveen R., et al. “Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Associated Risk Factors in the US Population (2011–2012).” Cureus, vol. 10, no. 6, 2018, e2741. doi:10.7759/cureus.2741
  2. Holick, Michael F. (2017). The Vitamin D Deficiency Pandemic: Approaches for Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, 18(2), 153–165. doi:10.1007/s11154-017-9424-1
  3. Brzeziński, M., et al. “Long-Term Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation in Obese Children During an Integrated Weight-Loss Programme—A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Nutrients, vol. 12, 2020, 1093. doi:10.3390/nu12041093
  4. Ruiz-Ojeda, F. J., Anguita-Ruiz, A., Leis, R., Aguilera, C. M. “Genetic Factors and Molecular Mechanisms of the Vitamin D and Obesity Relationship.” Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2018, pp. 89–99. doi:10.1159/000490669
  5. Vranić, Luka; Mikolašević, Ivana; Milić, Sandra (2019). “Vitamin D Deficiency: Consequence or Cause of Obesity?” Medicina, vol. 55, no. 9, 541. doi:10.3390/medicina55090541