There are many health disadvantages to being overweight, and that list keeps growing.
More than one-third of adults in the Unites States are obese. Already known obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes and certain types of cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A new study published in “PLOS Medicine” on Feb. 5, suggests that obesity can also cause vitamin D deficiencies. “PLOS Medicine” is a leading open-access medical journal that provides research and commentary on worldwide health concerns.
Vitamin D deficiencies are a universal concern. Vitamin D is both a vitamin and hormone that helps the body absorb calcium and plays an important role in the growth and maintenance of bone structure, maintaining normal blood levels and organs. Vitamin D deficiencies can lead to depression, back pain, impaired immunity, macular degeneration and many other negative side effects. Studies have even shown that women who are pregnant and vitamin D-deficient can cause impaired brain development in their children.
Vitamin D is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Ultraviolet rays from the sun are absorbed by the skin and turned into vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin D is also naturally occurring in foods, including various types of fish, fortified cereals and dairy products, oysters, caviar, salami, ham, sausages and eggs. It can also be taken as a supplement.
For the above study researchers examined genetic markers from up to 42,000 participants in 21 adult cohorts to decipher if there is a connection between body mass index and vitamin D levels. The study found that each 10 percent increase in BMI will lead to a 4.2 percent decrease in vitamin D concentrations. The study also found that having low levels of vitamin D isn’t a factor in the development of obesity.
In conclusion this research suggests, “that population-level interventions to reduce obesity should lead to a reduction in the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and highlight the importance of monitoring and treating vitamin D deficiency as a means of alleviating the adverse influences of obesity on health.”
If you’re thinking about embracing a new healthier lifestyle, this can be another motivation to start today. Here are seven quick changes you can make now.
Caroline is a marketing content writer for DrVita. When she's not writing about the latest in fitness, health and nutrition news, Caroline like to be active. She believes in eating an all-natural diet. Say no to Frankenfoods!
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