TECH Signal 198
Abdominal obesity combined with vitamin D deficiency more than doubles death risk in adults over 50
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A study of over 5,500 adults over 50 found that having both abdominal obesity and vitamin D deficiency was linked to a 123% higher risk of death over six years, far exceeding the risk from either condition alone.
The two conditions reinforce each other in a harmful cycle: belly fat sequesters vitamin D and reduces enzymes needed for its metabolism, while low vitamin D worsens the inflammation caused by excess fat. Screening for both conditions together, rather than either in isolation, may be necessary to address the amplified mortality risk.
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Adults over 50 with both abdominal obesity and vitamin D deficiency faced a 123% higher risk of death over six years compared to those with neither condition.
Abdominal obesity alone increased death risk by 47%, and vitamin D deficiency alone by up to 91%, but the combined effect substantially exceeded the individual risks.
Abdominal fat traps vitamin D in adipocytes and reduces enzymes for vitamin D metabolism, while deficiency impairs immune regulation and exacerbates inflammation from excess fat.
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