25-Hydroxycholecalciferol levels and its equation with lipid parameters and Insulin sensitivity in obese and non-obese young adults: A pilot study

Abstract Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency and Obesity are the two prevailing health issues of the globe, with India being no exception. The sub optimal Vitamin D levels is associated with an elevated risk of a number of chronic disorders including malignancy, inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Obesity breeds metabolic disharmony. Recent data reports Vitamin D deficiency being more prevalent among the obese. Objective: This study is undertaken to see the association of Vitamin D levels with Body Mass Index (BMI), Lipid parameters and Insulin resistance in a sample population representing the urban Indian youth. Materials and Method: Fifty five apparently healthy young adults of 18 to 22 years age were recruited in this study and their serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol(25OHD), serum insulin, Total Cholesterol, High Density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), Low Density lipoprotein- cholesterol (LDL-c) and Triglyceride (TGL) levels were estimated. Insulin resistance(IR) was derived using the Homeostasis Model Assessment equation. Based on BMI, the participants were divided into Obese group with BMI ≥ 25 (n=21) and non-obese group with BMI < 25 (n=34). Result: 25OHD levels were almost same in both Groups (Obese11.1 ± 4.6 ng/ml and non-obese 11.0 ± 5.2 ng/ml). Serum total cholesterol, VLDL and insulin levels were significantly increased in the Obese group(p= 0.005, p= 0.015 and p=0.054 respectively) when compared to the non-obese group. We found statistically significant association between 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD) and TGL/HDL ratio in the Obese group. Conclusion: In this pilot study we have unravelled the subtle onset of metabolic derangement in Obese individuals with Vitamin D deficiency.