Abstract
Background: Nowadays, excess weight is reaching epidemic proportions and it is necessary to identify patients at greater metabolic risk, in order to determine the most suitable pharmacological and dietetic options. On the other hand, vitamin D insufficiency (or hypovitaminosis D) is prevalent in the obese patients. It most commonly occurs in people with inadequate sunlight exposure and nutritional intake of vitamin D, disorders limiting vitamin D absorption, and conditions impairing vitamin D conversion into active metabolite, including certain liver, kidney, and hereditary disorders. It can impair bone mineralization, leading to an increased risk of bone fractures. However, the correlation between the hypovitaminosis D and overweight is poorly understood.
Aim: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, correlating it to the status of body fat and lipid profile in an adult population from the central Italian region of Abruzzo.
Methods: A total of 135 participants (BMI≥ 20 kg/m²) were enrolled in this observational study: face-to-face interview and physical examination were conducted during their initial evaluation, and their serum and anthropometric parameters were assessed.
Results: Among study participants higher BMI, WC, WHtR and WHR were associated to lower vitamin D values, especially in females: a comparison between its values and anthropometric indicators is important to guide the preliminary prevention and early detection of vitamin D insufficiency in general population.