Obesity is associated with lower levels of vitamin D

Aim: In this study we aimed to compare the 25(OH) vitamin D level of obese patients and the serum 25(OH) vitamin D level of healthy individuals who have normal weight; and also to evaluate the relation between 25(OH) vitamin D level and body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, body fat ratio. Methods: Among the patients who went into Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital Internal Medicine polyclinic and the patients hospitalized at the Internal Medicine clinic between the dates December 2012 - May 2013 and whose ages range between 18 and 70; total 105 individuals took part in the study. 62 individuals whose BMI is ≥30 formed the patient group, while 43 individuals whose BMI is between 18, 5 and 25 formed control group. Vitamin D level of the patient group and control group was measured. The data obtained was statistically analyzed. Results: The weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, body fat ratios of the patients in the case group were significantly higher than the ones in the control group (p<0.05). The 25 (OH) vitamin D level of the patients in the case group was significantly less than the ones in control group (p=0.03). There was statistically significant negative correlation between 25 (OH) vitamin D value and weight (r=-0.26 p=0.01), waist circumference (r=-0.23 p=0.02), and BMI (r=-0.26 p=0.01). Conclusion: Physicians should consider in treatment of vitamin D deficiency that, serum vitamin D levels are higher in obese compared to lean subjects and correlated negatively with BMI, weight and waist circumference.