Researchers in Cameroon studied 357 adults to understand weight problems and their connection to vitamin D. They found that more than 6 out of 10 people were overweight or obese, with middle-aged and older adults facing the biggest challenges. Interestingly, people with healthy vitamin D levels were less likely to be overweight. The study suggests that staying active, eating well, and getting enough vitamin D might help prevent weight gain and related health problems in developing countries where these issues are becoming more common.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How many young adults in Cameroon are overweight or obese, and whether vitamin D levels play a role in weight problems
  • Who participated: 357 adults living in Douala, Cameroon, with an average age of about 40 years. Nearly half were young adults (18-35 years old), with the rest being middle-aged and older
  • Key finding: About 62% of people studied were overweight or obese. People with normal vitamin D levels were 65% less likely to be overweight. Middle-aged and older adults were 3-4 times more likely to be obese than younger adults
  • What it means for you: If you’re a young adult, maintaining healthy vitamin D levels and staying active may help prevent weight gain. However, this study shows a connection, not proof that vitamin D directly causes weight loss, so talk to your doctor about your individual situation

The Research Details

Researchers collected information from 357 adults in Douala, Cameroon over one year (January to December 2022). They asked participants questions about their health, lifestyle, and medical history. They also measured participants’ height and weight to calculate body mass index (BMI), which shows if someone is at a healthy weight. They tested blood samples to check vitamin D levels. The study divided people into three age groups: young adults (18-35), middle-aged (36-55), and older adults (over 55).

This type of study is called a cross-sectional study, which means researchers took a snapshot of the population at one point in time rather than following people over months or years. This approach is useful for finding out how common a health problem is in a specific area, but it cannot prove that one thing causes another.

This research is important because obesity and overweight are becoming serious health problems in developing countries like Cameroon, but we don’t have much information about how common these problems are there. Understanding who is most affected and what factors might be involved helps doctors and public health officials create better prevention programs. The connection to vitamin D is particularly interesting because it’s something people can potentially control through diet, supplements, or sun exposure.

The study included a reasonable sample size of 357 people and used standardized measurements for weight and blood tests. However, because it was a snapshot study rather than following people over time, we cannot be certain about cause-and-effect relationships. The study only looked at one city in Cameroon, so results may not apply to all of Cameroon or other countries. The researchers used statistical methods to account for age, education, and job type, which strengthens their findings.

What the Results Show

The study found that overweight and obesity are very common in Douala, Cameroon. Specifically, 38.1% of participants were overweight and 23.8% were obese, meaning more than 6 out of every 10 people had a weight problem. This is a significant public health concern.

Age made a big difference in obesity rates. Young adults (18-35 years) had the lowest obesity rates, while middle-aged adults (36-55 years) were 4.5 times more likely to be obese, and older adults (over 55) were 3.2 times more likely to be obese compared to young adults. This pattern suggests that weight gain increases with age.

People with normal vitamin D levels were 65% less likely to be overweight compared to those with vitamin D deficiency. This is an interesting finding that suggests vitamin D may play a protective role against weight gain. However, when researchers looked more carefully at the relationship between vitamin D and obesity specifically, they didn’t find a strong connection.

The relationship between vitamin D and weight status was complicated by other factors. Age, education level, and type of job all influenced how vitamin D related to weight. This means that vitamin D’s effect on weight might be different depending on a person’s age or lifestyle. The study also noted that overweight and obesity often occur together with other health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure, suggesting these conditions are interconnected.

This study adds to growing evidence that obesity is becoming a major health problem in African countries, which traditionally had lower obesity rates than developed nations. The findings align with global research showing that obesity increases with age. The connection between vitamin D and weight is consistent with some previous studies, though the relationship is not fully understood and appears more complex than initially thought.

The study only looked at people in one city (Douala) in Cameroon, so the results may not represent all of Cameroon or other African countries. Because it was a snapshot study, researchers cannot prove that vitamin D deficiency causes weight gain—only that they appear together. The study didn’t measure physical activity or detailed diet information, which are important factors in weight management. Additionally, the study didn’t follow people over time, so we don’t know if vitamin D levels changed as people gained or lost weight.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, maintaining healthy vitamin D levels through diet (fatty fish, fortified milk), supplements, or moderate sun exposure may help prevent weight gain. Regular physical activity and healthy eating are important for all age groups, but especially for middle-aged and older adults who showed higher obesity rates. These recommendations have moderate confidence because the study shows a connection but cannot prove vitamin D directly prevents weight gain. Consult with a healthcare provider about your individual vitamin D needs and weight management strategy.

Young adults concerned about preventing weight gain should pay attention to these findings. Middle-aged and older adults should be especially aware since they showed higher obesity risk. People living in developing countries with limited healthcare resources may find these practical prevention strategies particularly valuable. However, people with specific medical conditions, those taking medications, or pregnant/breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before making changes based on this research.

Changes in weight and vitamin D levels don’t happen overnight. It typically takes 3-6 months of consistent physical activity and healthy eating to see meaningful weight changes. Vitamin D levels may take 2-3 months to normalize with supplementation or increased sun exposure. Long-term benefits in preventing obesity-related diseases may take years to become apparent.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly weight measurements and daily vitamin D intake sources (sun exposure time, food sources, or supplements). Also log 30-minute blocks of physical activity to correlate with weight trends over 12 weeks
  • Set a goal to get 15-30 minutes of moderate sun exposure 3-4 times per week, eat one vitamin D-rich food daily (like fatty fish, eggs, or fortified milk), and complete 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Use the app to log these activities and receive reminders
  • Measure weight weekly at the same time of day, track vitamin D sources monthly, and review physical activity trends every two weeks. After 3 months, assess whether consistent vitamin D intake and activity correlate with weight stability or loss. Share results with a healthcare provider to adjust strategy if needed

This research shows a connection between vitamin D levels and overweight status but does not prove that vitamin D deficiency causes weight gain. Individual results vary based on genetics, overall diet, physical activity, medical conditions, and medications. Before starting vitamin D supplements, changing your diet significantly, or beginning a new exercise program, consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health conditions, take medications, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. This information is educational and should not replace professional medical advice.