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People over 50 who have both abdominal obesity and vitamin D deficiency may face a much higher risk of death, according to a large study.
Researchers found that people with both conditions had a 123% higher risk of death than those who had neither condition.
The study involved 5,520 adults aged 50 and older. Researchers followed them for six years as part of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, a major study on ageing.
The findings were published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
Researchers found that each condition was linked to a higher risk of death on its own. People with abdominal obesity had a 47% higher risk, while vitamin D deficiency was linked to an increase of up to 91%.
But the risk was much higher when both conditions were present.
Abdominal obesity was defined as a waist measurement of more than 102 centimetres for men and 88 centimetres for women. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as blood levels below 30 nanomoles per litre.
Tiago Silva Alexandre, a professor at the Federal University of São Carlos in Brazil, led the study. He said belly fat can cause inflammation and other metabolic problems. Vitamin D also plays an important role in many body functions.
The researchers believe the two conditions may worsen each other. Fat cells can store vitamin D and reduce the amount available in the bloodstream.
Obesity may also affect how the body processes vitamin D. People with obesity may have lower levels of enzymes needed to use vitamin D properly.
The researchers said checking vitamin D levels and reducing excess abdominal fat could help lower health risks, especially among people over 50.
However, the study found an association between the conditions and death risk and does not by itself prove that the combination directly causes earlier death.