The interrelationship between childhood obesity and vitamin D deficiency: a systematic review

Rheem A. Almhizai; Layan A. Alrehaili; Nora M. Alzoum; Lujain S. Alhomood; Norah T. Alrowaitee; Amal N. Alharbi; Lama T. Alsayel; Amjad A. Alshedookhi; Khadijah M. Almukhtar Alshinqity

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20250936

Authors

Rheem A. Almhizai Faculty of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Layan A. Alrehaili College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Nora M. Alzoum College of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahaman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Lujain S. Alhomood College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Norah T. Alrowaitee College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Amal N. Alharbi College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Lama T. Alsayel College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Amjad A. Alshedookhi College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Khadijah M. Almukhtar Alshinqity College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20250936

Keywords:

Childhood obesity, Hypovitaminosis D, Public health, Nutritional status, Systematic review

Abstract

Objective was to look into the connection between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and childhood obesity. The 489 pertinent papers were found after a comprehensive search across four databases. Eight research finally met the requirements for inclusion after 262 full-text publications were screened, duplicates were eliminated using Rayyan QCRI, and relevance was assessed. A total of 1851 obese children from eight trials were included in our analysis; 919 (49.6%) of the patients were female. The prevalence of VDD among obese children ranged from 24.7% to 88.5%, with a total prevalence of 881 (47.6%). Taken together, results have indicated a significant association of obesity in childhood with VDD at high prevalence rates across populations and age groups. Despite receiving enough sunshine in some residential areas, obese children and adolescents have been reported to have low blood vitamin D levels, which reflects behavioral inputs like reduced outdoor activity that add to the VDD. The susceptibility seems to be enhanced by puberty and female gender, emphasizing the need for targeted intervention. Obese children and adolescents are more likely to have VDD, underscoring the need for health interventions targeting both obesity and nutrition. Health professionals can help mitigate obesity-related risks by promoting vitamin D screening and encouraging lifestyle changes that improve physical activity and diet. Future longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm causality and develop evidence-based strategies for enhancing pediatric health.

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