Obesity in children is a growing public health problem in many countries and is known to be caused by lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, endocrine problems and possibly genetics.

The condition is a major predisposing factor to heart disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus and many other conditions. The growing incidence of obesity in children not just in rich countries but also developing nations have long-term repercussions that governments are bracing for.

Meanwhile, health experts are still finding all possible causes and effects of obesity to reduce the public health burden.

Researchers in the U.S. have recently discovered another potential cause of obesity in children: lack of vitamin D.

In the study appearing in next month's issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, researchers examined 237 obese and non-obese children. They found out that those with the lowest levels of vitamin D also had the highest levels of fat and body mass index among the group. The obese children also had lower levels of good cholesterol (HDL).

Study author Dr. Silva Arslanian of the University of Pittsburgh said in a statement through the Endocrine Society that the lack of vitamin D and obesity in children may be a hidden factor in the rise of diabetes among American kids.

"Vitamin D deficiency is rampant in American youth, and there is some suggestion in adults that low levels of vitamin D may be playing a role in the increasing rates of type 2 diabetes," Dr. Arslanian said.

He recommended that vitamin D levels in kids be monitored and corrected to reach adequate levels to lessen the likelihood of developing diabetes and obesity in children.