Relationship Between Vitamin D Concentrations and Body Mass Index in Menopausal Women in Kvemo-Kartli Region (Georgia)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to study the level of vitamin D in menopausal women aged 47-54 living in Kvemo Kartli region; to determine the relationship between Body Mass Index and vitamin D level; to formulate recommendations about efficient preventive activities based on epidemiologic study results. Cross-sectional (prevalence) research was conducted in three different medical institutions in Kvemo Kartli region with a high number of patients. The interview with respondent was carried out by the doctor using a specially designed questionnaire, focused on place of residence, amount of food intake rich in vitamin D by the days of week, physical activity, and time spent outdoors in the fresh air. The survey data showed that 47% of respondents are overweight and 28% are obese, respectively, but none of the respondents is severe / morbidly obese. The results of the analytical study determined the correlation degree between the body mass index and the level of vitamin D deficiency among menopausal women.  Bivariate analysis was used to determine association between the variables, revealing statistically significant correlation between body mass index, obesity and vitamin D deficiency (OR) = 7.8 95% CI (1.9-30.7). Obese patients suffer from array of severe problems associated with vitamin D deficiency, therefore, obese women should be included in a separate risk group for vitamin D deficiency; blood serum 25(OH)D should be determined and in case of insufficiency or deficiency higher doses of vitamin D should be prescribed.