Association Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Higher Body Mass Index Among Women of Various Age Groups in Samawah City

Background: Vitamin D is not only classified as a vitamin but also functions as a hormone within the body. It belongs to a group of fat-soluble secosteroids known to enhance the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate in the intestines, thereby influencing various biological activities. The significance of vitamin D in maintaining human health cannot be overstated, as its deficiency has been linked to several disease conditions, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney diseases, cognitive dysfunction, and obesity. Objective: This study aims to assess the levels of vitamin D among women across different age groups in Samawah City. Method: A total of 315 women were included in this study and categorized into three groups based on age. Group A comprised 19.05% of women aged 18-25, with a mean age of 20.82 ± 2.43. Group B consisted of 62.22% of women aged 26-46, with a mean age of 33.31 ± 5.19. Lastly, Group C comprised 18.73% of women aged 47-60, with a mean age of 50.59 ± 3.01. Results: The study revealed that severe vitamin D deficiency was observed in 23.3%, 16.3%, and 15.3% of women in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Additionally, deficient levels of vitamin D were found in 40%, 41.3%, and 40.7% of women in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Meanwhile, insufficient levels of vitamin D were present in 26.7%, 27.6%, and 32.3% of women in groups A, B, and C, respectively. On the other hand, normal vitamin D levels were observed in 10%, 14.8%, and 11.7% of women in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Furthermore, the study revealed that 46.76% of women with vitamin D deficiency were classified as obese, 43.53% were considered overweight, and only 9.71% had an average weight. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study indicates that women with lower levels of vitamin D tend to have higher BMI values.