HEALTH TIP

Obesity is a growing epidemic affecting millions worldwide. It has numerous effects on various systems of the body leading to physiological changes that may cause the development of diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, high blood cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.
Obesity also raises the risk of fatty liver disease, gall bladder disease, osteoarthritis and certain cancers. It is estimated that the cost of treating obesity related diseases contributes 2–7% of total national health care costs in developed countries.

Obesity is related to a number of effects on skin health as well. Obesity affects the skin barrier function, workings of the sebaceous glands and sebum production that keeps the skin moisturized and supple, sweat glands, small lymph channels under the skin, collagen structure and function, wound healing, small blood vessels under the skin, and subcutaneous fat.

Effects of obesity on the skin

• Effects on skin barrier function

  Obesity increases water loss across the skin to a great extent. In morbidly obese patients skin is significantly dry and skin repair after wounds is impaired.
  

• Sebaceous glands and sebum production

  Sebum plays a major role in acne development. It is an oily substance that is produced to keep the skin moisturized and supple. Acne occurs when the sebaceous channels are blocked and infected. Acne is clearly exacerbated by obesity-associated disorders.
  
  
  • In obese individuals androgens (male hormones), insulin, growth hormone, and insulin like growth factors are raised. These are all known risk factors for acne.
    

  • Sweat glands

    Obese patients have larger skin folds and tend to sweat more profusely due to thick layers of subcutaneous fat.
    

  • Lymph channels

    Obesity impede or slow lymphatic flow. This leads to collection of protein-rich lymphatic fluid in the subcutaneous tissue. This is called lymphedema.
    

  • Blood vessels of the skin

    Obesity changes blood circulation of the skin leading to obesity-related microangiopathy and hypertension. Blood flow in the skin is increased in obese individuals.
    

  • Skin diseases aggravated by obesity

    Some skin diseases are aggravated by obesity and overweight. These include:-
    
  • lymphedema
  • psoriasis
  • chronic venous insufficiency
  • insulin resistance syndrome
  • cellulite
  • skin infections including fungal infections
  • plantar hyperkeratosis
  • hidradenitis suppurativa
  • tophaceous gout
  • intertrigo
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