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Weight loss on low-calorie diet improves vitamin D, especially in women

Medical News 1 min 61

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Created On: 13/02/2025

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A low-calorie diet induces weight loss and increases serum 25(OH)D in both men and women. Women experience an additional benefit in vitamin D with continued weight loss, and low baseline serum 25(OH)D is linked with sustained weight loss in women, but not men.

Obesity is linked to low vitamin D levels, and recent studies have shown potential differences in vitamin D metabolism between men and women. This study aimed to explore how weight loss affects vitamin D and whether there are gender differences in 195 individuals with obesity (body mass index 32-43 kg/m2).

A secondary analysis from a randomized trial involving 195 individuals with obesity was conducted. The trial examined the effects of 52 weeks of therapy (Liraglutide, exercise, or combined) following an eight-week low-calorie diet-stimulated weight loss. It was observed that both women and men showed a significant increase in serum 25(OH)D after weight loss from the low-calorie diet (12 nmol/L for women, 13 nmol/L for men).

Women who experienced additional weight loss during the 52-week intervention showed an increase in serum 25(OH)D levels compared to those who regained weight (14 nmol/L). Women who experienced additional weight loss at week 52 exhibited a lower baseline serum 25(OH)D level than those who regained weight (54 nmol/L vs. 70 nmol/L).

The study concluded that weight loss boosts vitamin D levels in both genders, but women experience an extra benefit from further weight loss. Interestingly, those with lower initial vitamin D levels were more likely to maintain weight loss, but this effect was not observed in men.