Comparative impact of vitamin D intake on childhood obesity in Qatar - A retrospective analysis study

Background: childhood obesity and vitamin D deficiency are growing public health concerns globally and are particularly prevalent in the Middle East. While previous studies have suggested a potential link between low vitamin D status and increased obesity risk, the evidence remains inconclusive, especially in ethnically diverse populations such as those in Qatar. Objective: to examine the association between daily vitamin D intake and obesity among children aged 2-18 years in Qatar, and to assess whether comorbid conditions, such as asthma, modify this relationship. Methods: this retrospective cohort study analyzed electronic medical records from Hamad Medical Corporation. Children were categorized as obese (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) or non-obese, and vitamin D intake was classified based on NIH guidelines. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between vitamin D daily intake and obesity, adjusting for age, sex, nationality, guardian education level, and comorbidities including asthma and metabolic conditions. Results: among 686 children included, asthma and metabolic comorbidities were independently associated with increased odds of obesity (OR = 5.37 and 4.51, respectively; p < 0.001). Vitamin D intake was not significantly associated with obesity risk in the overall analysis (p = 0.475). However, a significant interaction was observed between asthma and vitamin D intake (p = 0.031), suggesting that adequate vitamin D intake may attenuate the elevated obesity risk in children with asthma. Conclusion: while daily vitamin D intake was not directly associated with childhood obesity, it may play a modifying role in children with asthma. These findings highlight the complex interplay between nutritional status and chronic conditions and support the need for integrated, personalized approaches in obesity prevention strategies, especially in high-risk subgroups.