The Link Between Obesity and the Skin

March 2022 in “ Frontiers in Nutrition ”

Razvigor Darlenski, Vesselina Mihaylova, Teodora Handjieva-Darlenska

TLDR Obesity is linked to various skin conditions and issues, and losing weight can improve these conditions.

Obesity, a systemic disease, is linked to various skin conditions, with nearly 50% of obese and overweight individuals displaying skin comorbidities related to metabolic disorders. Specific skin changes include plantar hyperkeratosis, stretch marks, acanthosis nigricans, skin tags, and keratosis pilaris. Obesity is also associated with skin conditions resulting from hyperandrogenism, such as hirsutism, acne, androgenic alopecia, and seborrhea, as well as skin infections and chronic venous insufficiency. Obesity independently influences the severity of and response to therapy for chronic skin conditions like psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and atopic dermatitis. Weight loss can improve these conditions. Obesity is also linked to acne vulgaris, lichen planus, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Anti-obesity treatments can induce skin reactions, and bariatric surgery can lead to specific skin manifestations due to metabolic and nutritional disorders and structural changes after major weight reduction. High body mass index is a risk factor for acne severity in adolescents, and weight reduction can improve treatment outcomes for patients with atopic dermatitis.

View this study on frontiersin.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

4 / 4 results

research Skin Manifestations Associated With Systemic Diseases – Part I

11 citations, September 2021 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

The conclusion is that early diagnosis of skin signs linked to diseases like Lupus, Dermatomyositis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis is crucial to prevent serious complications.

research Skin Manifestations After Bariatric Surgery

5 citations, December 2020 in “BMC Dermatology”

Bariatric surgery improves skin conditions and metabolism but may cause nutritional deficiencies and hair loss.

research Cutaneous Manifestations of Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome

18 citations, September 2017 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Obesity is linked to various skin disorders, which can help with early diagnosis and prevention of long-term health issues.

research Obesity and the Skin: Skin Physiology and Skin Manifestations of Obesity

405 citations, May 2007 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Obesity affects skin health, causing conditions like acanthosis nigricans and may require different treatment approaches.

Similar Research

6 / 1000+ results

research PCOS: Perspectives from a Pediatric Endocrinologist and a Pediatric Gynecologist

5 citations, April 2013 in “Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care”

The document concludes that early and personalized treatment for PCOS in adolescents is crucial to manage symptoms and prevent long-term health issues.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Detailed Examination and Management Strategies

November 2017 in “Elsevier eBooks”

PCOS is a genetic disorder affecting women's reproductive health, with treatments focused on symptoms like insulin resistance and fertility.

research Diagnosis of Hyperandrogenism: Clinical Criteria

85 citations, June 2006 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

The document concludes that hirsutism is the main sign for diagnosing hyperandrogenism, which requires a detailed patient history and physical exam.

research Diagnosis and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

9 citations, January 2015 in “Springer eBooks”

The document concludes that managing PCOS involves treating symptoms, regulating periods, and reducing health risks, with specific medications for fertility and metabolic issues.

research Acne and Acneiform Eruptions

2 citations, January 2011 in “Elsevier eBooks”

Early treatment of acne is crucial to prevent scarring and psychological effects.

research History and Physical Examination of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Detecting Too Much or Too Little

July 2015 in “Cambridge University Press eBooks”

The document concludes that careful history and physical exams are crucial for accurately diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome and distinguishing it from other similar conditions.

The Link Between Obesity and the Skin

Research cited in this study

research Skin Manifestations Associated With Systemic Diseases – Part I

research Skin Manifestations After Bariatric Surgery

research Cutaneous Manifestations of Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome

research Obesity and the Skin: Skin Physiology and Skin Manifestations of Obesity

Related Community Posts Join

community Quit vaping/smoking = 80% less loss

community Those using fin/min, is there anything else you’ve tried that you think improved your hair loss situation?

community I can't take care of myself because of hair loss.

community Is it possible for androgenic alopecia to begin at early adolescent years?

community I Have Found Peace. Goodbye Tressless.

community Physio-metabolic method of treating androgenic alopecia. Cold receptors. The relationship between DHT, cold receptors, minoxidil and antiandrogens.