Obesity is a growing disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It has multiple effects on various body systems that cause physiological changes that lead to diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.
Being overweight increases the risk of fatty liver disease, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, and some cancers. It is estimated that the cost of treating obesity-related diseases represents between 2% and 7% of total national health care expenditure in developed countries.
Obesity is associated with a variety of skin health problems. Obesity affects the skin barrier, the function of sebaceous glands and skin moisture and elasticity, sweat glands, small subcutaneous lymphatic channels, the structure and function of collagen, wound healing, the production of small blood vessels under small blood vessels. Skin and subcutaneous tissue. Fat
Effects of obesity on the skin
Effect on the protective function of the skin
Being overweight greatly increases water loss in the skin. In obese patients, the skin is extremely dry and skin repair after injury is impaired.
Sebaceous glands and sebum production
Sebum plays an important role in the development of acne. It is a fatty substance that is produced to keep the skin moisturized and soft. Acne occurs when the sebaceous ducts become blocked and infected. Acne is clearly exacerbated by obesity-related conditions.
In obese individuals, androgens (male hormones), insulin, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factors increase. These are all known acne risks.
Sweat glands
Obese patients have enlarged skin folds and sweat due to the thick layer of fat under the skin.
Lymph channels
Being overweight can block or reduce lymphatic flow. This causes the protein-rich lymphatic fluid to accumulate in the subcutaneous tissue. This is called lymphedema.
Skin blood vessels
Being overweight changes blood circulation in the skin and obesity leads to microangiopathy and high blood pressure. Obese people have increased blood flow to the skin.
Structure and function of collagen and wound healing.
Obesity is associated with changes in collagen structure. Collagen builds skin structure and helps heal wounds. However, obese patients do not show facial wrinkles and sagging due to skin laxity or increased subcutaneous fat.
Subsoil fat
Subcutaneous fat is composed almost entirely of white adipose tissue. In normal people, it provides protection and acts as an energy reservoir. This adipose tissue contains adipocytes that produce endocrine hormonal peptides such as leptin and tumor necrosis factor. Obese people have too much fat.
Skin symptoms in obese people
Obesity is associated with many skin conditions. These include-
Acanthus nigricans
Obesity is a very common skin problem. Acanthosis nigricans appears as symmetrical, velvety black spots. It is most commonly seen in the armpits, bikini line, back of the neck, elbows, knees and face. Acanthosis nigricans is associated with insulin resistance.
Skin tag
These are soft brown papules or growths that usually appear on the neck, armpits and groin. They are often associated with acanthosis nigricans.
Keratosis pilaris
These lead to papules or growths on the outside of the hands.
Hyperandrogenism and hirsutism
It is due to high male hormones. These features are common to polycystic ovary disease and insulin resistance.
Stretch mark
These are commonly called stretch marks. These are long spots that are located in very sensitive areas and are usually found on the breasts, buttocks, stomach and thighs. White spots that turn purple and eventually become depressed appear as red spots.
Painful fat
It is a rare condition characterized by multiple painful subcutaneous lipomas in obese and postmenopausal women.
Skin diseases are aggravated by obesity.
Some skin diseases are aggravated by overweight and obesity. Among them:
- Lymphedema
- Psoriasis
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Insulin resistance syndrome
- Cellulite
- Skin infections including fungal infections.
- plantar hyperkeratosis
- Hidradenitis
- Upper gout
- Background