TLDR Obesity is linked to skin conditions like acanthosis nigricans and skin tags, which may indicate high insulin levels.
In 2014, a study involving 109 nondiabetic overweight and obese patients (83.5% female, mean age 38, mean BMI 39.6 kg/m²) found a high prevalence of skin disorders associated with obesity and insulin levels. Acanthosis nigricans (AN) was present in 97% of patients, skin tags in 77%, keratosis pilaris in 42%, and plantar hyperkeratosis in 38%. The study revealed statistically significant associations between the severity of obesity and the presence of AN, skin tags, and plantar hyperkeratosis. Moreover, the number of skin tags, the neck severity score of AN, and the distribution of AN were significantly correlated with insulin levels. The study concluded that AN and skin tags are clinical markers of hyperinsulinemia in obese patients without diabetes.
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.
43 citations,
May 1988 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Patients with acanthosis nigricans often have insulin resistance and signs of increased male hormones, but treatment targeting these male hormones is generally ineffective.
12 citations,
March 2022 in “Frontiers in Nutrition” Obesity is linked to various skin conditions and issues, and losing weight can improve these conditions.
1 citations,
May 2022 in “IntechOpen eBooks” Obesity leads to physical, metabolic, reproductive issues, higher healthcare costs, and mental health problems.
45 citations,
September 2011 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Obese people have more skin problems like stretch marks and infections, which get worse with higher obesity levels.
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.
January 2022 in “Menoufia Medical Journal” Obesity can cause various skin problems, with differences in prevalence between males and females.
