Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part A (2024)

Background: Vitamin D, which is described as ‘the Sun light Vitamin’, is essential for growth and development of the body. Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health concern. Poor vitamin D status, as indicated by low serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], has been observed in South Asian populations. Among women, postmenopausal women are more sufferer of vitamin D deficiency. Obesity has been associated with lower levels of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D. However, limited information is available on the vitamin D deficiency among postmenopausal women and its association with obesity. 
Objective: To evaluate the association of vitamin D deficiency with obesity in postmenopausal women. 
Methodology: It is a cross-sectional analytical study that was carried out in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital Dhaka over a period of June 2018 to July 2019. A total 72 postmenopausal women with in 45 to 70 years of age attending in and out patient Department in the above-mentioned Hospital during the study period were included: 34 respondents with BMI ≥ 25 in obese group and 38 respondents with BMI less than 25 in non-obese group. A questionnaire was used to assess dietary pattern, clothing practices and extent to exposure to sun. Estimation of serum Vitamin D level was assessed via measuring serum 25(OH) D by using Roche Electrochemiluminescence. Analyzed data was expressed as percentage and mean ± SD. Analysis was done by unpaired t test and chi square test to compare between two groups and find out the significance of difference in level. A “p” value of <0.05 was considered as significant. 
Results: In this study it was observed that maximum patients were vitamin D deficient (75%). Mean age in both groups were almost equal. Majority of the respondents were Muslim housewives in both the groups. Mean BMI and duration of menopause showed significant difference in majority of respondents in between two groups. 47.22% of postmenopausal women were in the obese group. Mean vitamin D level among the study participants was 13.34±4.62 in obese group and 19.54±6.75 in non-obese group, the difference in mean Vitamin D level was statistically significant. This study shows a significant association of vitamin D level with obesity.
Conclusion: This study will help to assess the basal levels of vitamin D, giving an idea regarding prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is a very common health problem in Bangladeshi postmenopausal women. It can be concluded that the postmenopausal vitamin D deficiency is associated with obesity in our context. Healthy life style, balanced diet, exposure to sunlight and more outdoor activities can help to achieve optimum vitamin D level. In addition to these, maintenance of optimum body weight is an important factor to maintain desired vitamin D level.