The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and secondary hyperparathyroidism in obese Black Americans.

Context: Both obesity (body mass index, BMI > or = 30 kg/m2) and Black race are associated with a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism. We hypothesized the risk of hypovitaminosis D would therefore be extraordinarily high in obese Black adults.

Objective: To study the effects of race and adiposity on 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and parathyroid hormone (iPTH).