Association between overweight and vitamin D status among Saudi male adolescents

Abstract EN

Saudi subjects of all ages have frequently reported a low vitamin D status, but as yet, no attempt to examine the association of this status to their weight has been made.

This research aimed to generate data on a male adolescent sample’s vitamin D level and to explore any association to their weight status.

213 Saudi male adolescents aged 14–19 years were recruited for this cross-sectional project.

Their height and weight and serum 25hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D were measured.

Possible associations between the participants’ vitamin D status and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among them were statistically analyzed.

The results, the mean serum of 25 (OH)D concentration was 11.9±4.41 ng/mL.

The respective prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were 94.4% and 5.6%.

Most study participants were found to be overweight (61.5%), and one third (36.6%) were obese.

No statistically significant association between overweight and obesity and vitamin D status was found.

Saudi male adolescents have a high incidence of vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency.

The results underline the urgent need to identify practical ways to improve Saudi adolescents’ vitamin D status.

These results will help to develop health promotion programs for improving the health situation in the Kingdom according to the Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.