The Skin and Obesity

January 2025 in “ International Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprosy Sciences ”

David TP

TLDR Obesity worsens skin health and losing weight can improve skin conditions.

The review article discusses the complex relationship between obesity and skin health, highlighting that obesity affects skin barrier function, gland activity, and circulatory systems, leading to conditions like acanthosis nigricans, acrochordons, and striae distensae. Obesity is linked to skin infections and exacerbates conditions such as lymphedema and chronic venous insufficiency. It also increases inflammation and insulin resistance, worsening disorders like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. A study with 135 obese psoriatic arthritis patients showed that abdominal obesity increased treatment failure risk. Weight reduction is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and reducing skin condition severity. Obesity's impact on skin health is significant in India, even at low BMI thresholds, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach to manage these complications effectively.

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