Shazia Rashid, Rakhshan Khurshid, Uzma Faryal Amir, Sheikh Muhammad Qaisar Rashid, Bibi Hajra, Muhammad Afaq Ali.
Association Between Decrease in Serum Vitamin D Level and Increase in Body Mass Index.
Gomal J Med Sci Jan ;15(3):110-4.

Background: Levels of vitamin D in the population have come under increasing examination; however there are only a few studies in Saudi Arabia which measure levels in the general population. The objective of the study was to measure the association between decrease in level of vitamin D and increase in BMI in males and females of Saudi population. Material & Methods: A cross sectional study of 94 participants with age range 16-75 years in a group of Saudi Arabian people was conducted. Duration of study was six months (June to November 2014). Both male and female were comprised into four groups, group A with an age range 15-30 years, group B with age range of 31-45 years, group C with age range of 46-61 years and group D with age range of 62-75 years. Individuals who visited with complaints of musculo skeletal pain, backache and easy fatigability were included in the study. Their body weight and height were measured for BMI. Serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] in relation to demographic characteristics (age, sex) and selected health risk factors (physical activity, body mass index) were examined. Results: Overall, the mean level of serum 25(OH )D was <20 IU in 70% female and 30% male which is recognized as vitamin D deficiency. A highly significant positive correlation (P<0.001) was observed between decrease in vitamin D and increase in BMI with r value 0.812 and 0.963 in male and female respectively. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is strongly associated in young obese people of both genders.

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