The Link Between Obesity and the Skin

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.