Interplay between Vitamin D, Obesity, and Other Metabolic Factors in a Multiethnic Adult Cohort

Abstract

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency and obesity have been classified as pandemic issues worldwide with high prevalence of both the risk factors in the United Arab Emirates. In recent years, obesity has been associated with vitamin D deficiency, but very few studies have been published about the correlation between them in the UAE population. Subjects and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study designed to find a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and obesity along with other metabolic factors. Data were collected from electronic medical records of 300 subjects ranging from 15 to 85 years of age of various ethnic origins residing in Dubai. Results: The study showed a high prevalence of obesity (44.9%) and vitamin D deficiency (40.1) in our study population. There is no evidence of a relation between vitamin D level and the obesity; 40.1% of the subjects were vitamin D deficient, out of which 46.7% were obese. However, a statistically significant relationship was found between cholesterol levels and vitamin D levels. Similarly, a significant relation was found between decreasing Vitamin D levels and increasing age but no relationship was detected with gender. Conclusions: The present study revealed an alarming prevalence of obesity and vitamin D deficiency. Further steps need to be taken to tackle this growing problem.