Research proves that Vitamin D improves weight loss. Robert G Carlson, MD, FACS

Researchers at Aberdeen University found that low levels of vitamin D interfered with the function of a hormone called leptin, which tells the brain when the stomach is full. The study also found that excess body fat absorbs vitamin D, stopping it entering the bloodstream. Unfortunately in the winter months, when exercise is difficult and seasonal depression creeps in, low vitamin D levels are epidemic and will cause weight gain. In addition, the rapid spiral worsens as the accumulation of excess body fat leads to the fat-soluble vitamin D becoming locked away in fat cells.
In another study involving 60 overweight/obese women aged 20-35 years adhering to a low calorie diet, those with higher vitamin D levels lost more weight and fat. This supports the theory that women with a better vitamin D status will respond better to low calorie diets and lose more body fat.

In postmenopausal women calcium/vitamin D supplements have been shown to slow weight gain This finding comes from a detailed, seven-year study of more than 36,000 U.S. women enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative. It clearly demonstrates that most weight gain was in the youngest postmenopausal women and that Vitamin D and calcium slowed the process of weight gain.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered that if you are struggling to lose weight or have lost weight but plateaued, that adding vitamin D3 to a high protein diet may be just be the boost you need. They found that you could lose 25 pounds of flab from your body in about 7 seconds per day, simply by adding vitamin D3 this year. So it appears that Vitamin D3 may be the "SWITCH" that turns on automatic fat burning engine.
A 2009 study conducted by researchers from the University of Minnesota found that overweight people have better success in losing weight when their vitamin D levels are increased. When combined with a reduced-calorie diet, it appears that supplementation with vitamin D helps to promote increased weight loss among those whose levels are low. For each nanogram per milliliter increase in vitamin D precursor, it was observed that an extra half-pound loss in weight occurred while on the diet plan.

To address the Metabolic syndrome and the increase in visceral abdominal fat, I believe it is critical to understand the connection between vitamin D levels and insulin resistance. Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the wide set of disorders associated with this syndrome of high cholesterol, insulin resistance, high blood pressure and increased abdominal fat. In a study published in 2004, the authors saw a 60% improvement in insulin sensitivity in healthy, vitamin D replete adults — and determined that vitamin D was more potent than two prescription medications commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Clearly, vitamin D is critical in regulating our weight, and knowing the dramatic impact on thyroid function, and optimizing metabolism, the correlation between rising rates of obesity and vitamin D deficiency aren’t a surprise. Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol supports so many important functions in our bodies and interacts with over 2000 Genes. To believe that the only benefit of Vitamin D is to improve bone growth seems short cited at best. Focus on optimizing your vitamin D levels, and a healthy and active lifestyle will be in your future.
www.andlos.com Robert G Carlson, MD, FACS