Research indicates that inadequate vitamin D levels may hinder weight loss in overweight and obese postmenopausal women, according to a study from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. The research, originally published in 2014 and recently resurfaced, suggests that women who achieved normal vitamin D levels lost significantly more weight than those who remained deficient. Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that influences virtually every cell in the body, according to Dr. Mercola. [1]
Study Design and Results
The study involved 218 women aged 50–75 with low vitamin D levels, who were assigned a daily 2,000 IU vitamin D supplement or a placebo alongside a weight loss program. Women in the supplement group increased their blood vitamin D by 13.6 ng/mL on average. Those with levels above 32 ng/mL lost approximately 19 pounds compared to 12 pounds for those whose levels remained below that threshold, according to the report. Waist circumference reduction averaged 6.6 cm in the sufficient group versus 2.5 cm, and body fat loss reached 4.7% compared to 2.6%. Lead author Dr. Anne McTiernan stated: “This suggests women trying to lose weight might want to have their D levels checked by their provider and replenish their vitamin D levels either through supplements or sun and then have their D levels rechecked after a few months to make sure they’ve risen to a healthy level.” The research was originally published in 2014 and has generated renewed interest amid ongoing weight loss interventions.
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