Obesity is a major global health concern characterized by an accumulation of excessive body fat, dyslipidaemia and low vitamin D levels. This study aimed to assess the relationship between dyslipidaemia and vitamin D status in obese individuals and the risk of atherogenesis.

In this cross-sectional study, 140 participants aged 18 to 65 years, were categorized into 4 equal groups of 35 each, based on their body mass index BMI. Baseline and demographic data were obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire. The serum levels of vitamin D, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c) were measured using standard methods. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and atherogenic index in plasma (AIP) were calculated.

The vitamin D status was sufficient in all groups but its concentrations decline significantly as BMI increases. Serum TC, TG, LDL-c concentration significantly increases as BMI increases, but HDL-c concentration decreases. The AIP increases as BMI increases.

The study provided possible evidence to support the association between dyslipidaemia and inadequate vitamin D status in this cohort of adults with obesity in Ibadan, Nigeria.