Today, I would like to discuss an important topic closely related to health: the association between obesity and skin diseases, and how to effectively address it.
First, let’s understand the definition of obesity. In the United States, a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30 is classified as obesity, while a BMI over 35 is considered severe obesity. If the BMI exceeds 40, it is classified as morbid obesity. These conditions are often accompanied by various health complications. In Asia, a BMI over 27 may also bring about health issues similar to those associated with a BMI of 30 in the U.S. Therefore, when the BMI exceeds 27, weight management becomes important. Particularly for individuals with a BMI over 24, active measures through diet and exercise should be taken to improve health.
So, why is the link between obesity and skin diseases so strong? Obesity is not just an issue of appearance; it could also be a warning sign for health. When certain skin conditions arise, they may be a sign of being overweight or obese. Therefore, regardless of current physical condition, we should begin controlling our weight as early as possible.
Obesity can easily lead to five common skin diseases:
First, insulin resistance. This condition is typically a precursor to high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and elevated cholesterol levels, and is often associated with metabolic syndrome. Patients with obesity exhibit higher levels of insulin resistance, which could lead to hyperpigmentation in specific skin areas, such as darkening and thickening of the skin on the nape of the neck, underarms, and inner thighs.
Second, skin thickening. People with obesity often experience skin tags, particularly in areas like the neck and underarms. Over time, the skin in these areas may swell, potentially leading to pain or infections, prompting the need for medical assistance.
Third, due to insulin resistance, individuals with obesity may have elevated levels of male hormones, which can lead to issues such as hirsutism and keratosis pilaris and could increase the risk of acne.
Fourth, obesity can lead to thickening of the soles of the feet, a condition known as plantar hyperkeratosis. Sudden weight gain can result in stretch marks, caused by excessive internal pressure leading to skin fissures. These skin changes significantly affect appearance and have limited treatment efficacy; thus, avoiding sudden weight gain is the ideal approach.
Fifth, obesity may also lead to lymph edema in the lower limbs or venous insufficiency, with many severely obese patients experiencing swelling. Over time, this can result in stasis dermatitis, which, in addition to pigmentation issues, can also trigger eczema in those areas.
Moreover, due to physiological features like poor venous return or lymph edema, individuals with obesity are prone to skin friction, which makes them more susceptible to infections, such as yeast or fungal infections. These infections may require long-term treatment, and symptoms often worsen in the humid summer months.
Finally, individuals with obesity have poorer metabolic capacity, making them prone to elevated uric acid levels, leading to health issues such as arthritis. Therefore, prevention from the outset is crucial.
We should take action as early as possible, which includes seeking medical advice, managing weight, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This can be achieved by reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity. I recommend starting with reducing sugar intake, as switching to sugar-free beverages is a great initial step.