Vitamin D Status and Its Association with Lifestyle and Metabolic Variables Among Adult Male in Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including metabolic regulation. This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D status and metabolic and lifestyle variables among adult males in Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 1 to June 12, 2024, in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Chitwan, Nepal. A sample of 131 men aged 18-70 years was selected using the Cochran formula at a 95% confidence level. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured to categorize vitamin D status as deficient (<20 ng/ml), insufficient (20-30 ng/ml), or sufficient (>30 ng/ml). Metabolic variables, including body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), were collected. Lifestyle factors like age, smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet type were also assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with higher WHR (p = .000), BMI (p = .000), cholesterol (p = .007), triglycerides (p = .001), and lower HDL levels (p = .000), compared to sufficient vitamin D levels. However, no significant associations were found between vitamin D status and lifestyle factors such as age (p = .657), smoking (p = .356), alcohol consumption (p = .245), and diet type (p = .903). Conclusion: The study highlights significant relationships between vitamin D status and metabolic markers including WHR, BMI, cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL. Monitoring vitamin D levels in individuals with metabolic risk factors is crucial for early intervention. Further research is needed to explore the interaction between vitamin D, lifestyle, and metabolic health in diverse populations. Key words: Vitamin D, metabolic health, lifestyle factors, Nepal