Vitamin D & obesity: Who affects whom?

from Dr. Rebecca Göngrich
on 02.10.2025
A person stands barefoot on a digital scale. Only the person's feet and part of the white fabric of their pants leg are visible. The floor is wooden, and the lighting in the room is soft.

Are you familiar with the chicken-and-egg dilemma? That's exactly how the discussion surrounding vitamin D and obesity feels. Which comes first: low vitamin D levels or those extra kilos on the scales?

Science has a pretty clear opinion on this: in general, obesity is the cause – not the consequence – of low vitamin D levels. Why? Quite simply: with a higher body weight, the sun vitamin is distributed over a larger volume. At the same time, part of it is stored in fatty tissue – and is no longer directly available to the body. The result: vitamin D levels drop.

Anyone hoping to lose weight faster with vitamin D capsules is likely to be disappointed. Studies show that supplementation alone has no significant effect on weight loss. However, vitamin D does play a role in processes related to obesity. Researchers are observing possible links with fat cell formation, their maturation and the hunger and satiety hormone leptin. Sounds promising? Yes. But research is still in its infancy.

What does this mean for you? Quite clearly: if you have a higher BMI, you should keep a close eye on your vitamin D intake. Because well-stocked reserves are not only important for general well-being, but could also be a crucial link between obesity, inflammatory processes in the body and possible secondary diseases.

At BIOGENA, we say: Well nourished is better equipped. Let's take a look at your vitamin D levels together – for a balance that is worth seeing.

biogena-line
bestseller
Vitamin D3 drops
Pure Vitamin D3 with high-quality sunflower oil – in easy-to-use drops
Buy vitamin D drops
€19.90
Vitamin D3 Tropfen

Source:

Karampela, I. et al. 2021. Vitamin D and Obesity: Current Evidence and Controversies. Curr Obes Rep;10(2):162-180. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33792853/

More articles
Mitochondria
The mitochondria explained easily & tips for strengthening them
Whoever talks of life energy is also talking about the mitochondria. But what exactly are the mitochondria and how can their performance be optimised?
Tennis player who is well supplied with B vitamins
Vitamin B: Effect, intake & deficiency
Vitamins play an important role in our health and wellbeing. Among the many vitamin groups, the group of B vitamins stands out in particular. These complex and diverse nutrients are essential for a variety of bodily functions, from energy production...
Man standing with his face in the shade and his body in the sun
Can you get enough vitamin D from the sun?
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in our health. It contributes significantly to maintaining our immune system, supports the calcium and phosphate balance, strengthens the bones and teeth and contributes to muscle function. But in practice, can we even...