ASSOCIATION BETWEEN VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AND CENTRAL OBESITY AMONG SUDANESE ADULTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Hypovitaminosis D and central obesity are major interconnected public health concerns in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Conventional anthropometric measurements may not adequately capture regional variations in visceral fat distribution and their relationship with vitamin D status.

Objective: To assess the association between clinical anthropometric indicators of general and central obesity and vitamin D deficiency among adults in Northern State, Sudan.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 apparently healthy adults aged 20–45 years in Northern State, Sudan. Socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, and anthropometric measurements, including weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), were collected. Information regarding previous vitamin D deficiency status was also obtained. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28 through descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and Chi-square tests.

Results: The prevalence of self-reported historical vitamin D deficiency was 78.0%. Participants with vitamin D deficiency exhibited significantly higher indicators of both general and central obesity compared with non-deficient participants. Mean BMI was significantly elevated among the deficient group (31.7 ± 5.94 kg/m² vs. 23.4 kg/m², P < 0.001). Similarly, WC (88.0 cm vs. 72.0 cm, P = 0.010) and WHR (0.93 vs. 0.72, P = 0.001) were markedly higher among vitamin D-deficient individuals. Endocrine-related comorbidities were also common, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (22.0%) and insulin resistance (21.1%).

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was strongly associated with both general and central obesity indicators, particularly WC and WHR, among adults in Northern State, Sudan. These findings suggest that central adiposity may contribute substantially to hypovitaminosis D in this population and highlight the need for targeted metabolic and nutritional interventions.