The relationship between Vitamin D levels and the body mass index (BMI) in a population cohort

Abstract

Background: Low serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations, have been associated with the development of obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and the body mass index (BMI) in postmenopausal women and determinate if any differences are observed throughout the year. Design: This is a cross-sectional study of 1826 women from Camargo (Cantabria, Spain). All participants are Caucasian postmenopausal women. Study variables are weight, height, serum 25(OH)D concentrations in all seasons, general laboratory parameters and some bone parameters. Results: Mean serum 25(OH)D levels were lower at a higher body weight in community-dwelling postmenopausal women of our area. It is also observed that lower levels of 25(OH)D in obese and overweight women are uniform throughout the year, and always are lower than normal weighted women.