Obesity and the Skin

The 2011 review article "Obesity and the skin" examines the relationship between obesity and various skin conditions. It explains that obesity, defined by a BMI greater than 30 kg/m², is associated with skin issues such as striae distensae, plantar hyperkeratosis, and an increased risk of skin infections, as well as poor wound healing and a higher risk of malignant melanoma and inflammatory dermatoses like psoriasis. The article discusses how adipose tissue affects the skin through hormone and cytokine production and how obesity-related insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus exacerbate skin problems. It also explores the connections between obesity and other skin-related issues, including hyperandrogenism, vascular disorders, ulceration, and atopic eczema. The review suggests that obesity may be a risk factor for skin cancer, particularly in areas with lower ultraviolet radiation exposure, and that certain skin types, such as phototype I with red hair, may have a genetic predisposition to increased risk of skin cancer. The article concludes that dermatologists should be prepared to manage an increasing number of obesity-related skin complications and may need to include weight loss advice in their treatment plans.