2017, VOL. 3 ISSUE 1, PART E
Abstract:Introduction: Sunlight is the only major source of vitamin D. Inspite of abundant sunlight, darker skin pigmentation, pollution and inadequate sun exposure contributes to the deficiency of this vital nutrient. Obesity among college students is another risk factor for vitamin D deficiency.
Objective: The primary objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among overweight and obese college going adolescents in summer and winter seasons.
Methods: Survey was conducted with a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire to find out the socio-economic background, health profile and physical activity behavior among the college students (n=750) between 17 and 19 years of age studying in Government Arts and Science Colleges in Puducherry. For the biochemical analysis of vitamin D, a subsample of 60 willing obese adolescents was selected.
Results: Mean weight of obese girls was lower (77%) than boys (81%) whereas waist circumference of girls was higher (85cm) than that of boys (79%). Percentage of bone mass was higher in males (3%) than in females (2%). Only 10% of girls and 40% of boys had normal level of vitamin D in summer. In winter season both obese girls and boys were categorized in the groups if either deficiency (87%) or insufficiency (77%). Sunlight exposure, regular exercise and physical activity were found to be very low in vitamin D deficient adolescent girls than in boys.
Conclusion: Unhealthy food habits, physical inactivity, inadequate sunlight exposure were the primary factors which contributed to vitamin D deficiency in obese adolescents more in