Excessive Weight Favours Skin Physiology - Up to a Point: Another Expression of the Obesity Paradox

Background/Aims: Recently classified as an epidemic by the WHO, obesity (as well as the state of being overweight) clearly affects significant populations across all ages. The relationship between obesity and some diseases (e.g. cardiovascular ones) is known, although many paradoxes remain to be exp...

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Published inSkin pharmacology and physiology Vol. 30; no. 2; pp. 94 - 101
Main Authors Monteiro Rodrigues, Luís Monteiro, Palma, Lídia, Santos, Osvaldo, Almeida, Maria Angélica, Bujan, Julia, Tavares, Liliana
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Basel, Switzerland 01.01.2017
Subjects
Adult
Body Mass Index
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Obesity - metabolism
Obesity, Morbid - metabolism
Original Paper
Overweight - metabolism
Skin - metabolism
Skin Physiological Phenomena
Water Loss, Insensible - physiology
Young Adult
Skin biomechanics
Obesity
Body mass index
Epidermal barrier
In vivo skin physiology
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Summary:Background/Aims: Recently classified as an epidemic by the WHO, obesity (as well as the state of being overweight) clearly affects significant populations across all ages. The relationship between obesity and some diseases (e.g. cardiovascular ones) is known, although many paradoxes remain to be explained. Very little information is available, however, regarding its impact on skin physiology and skin disease. This study aims to examine the influence of excessive weight on epidermal hydration and transepidermal water loss, key variables of skin water balance and skin biomechanics. Methods: A convenience sample of 89 healthy female volunteers was selected and divided into 4 groups, according to their BMI (body mass index), as normal (control), overweight, obese (I and II), and morbid. Skin physiology was quantitatively assessed in all individuals in 4 anatomical areas using non-invasive biometrical analysis by reference instrumentation. Descriptive and comparative statistics were applied, adopting a confidence level of 95%. Results: A non-linear alteration for all variables was detected as a function of BMI. Conclusion: Results suggest that excessive weight might favour skin performance within certain limits, reflecting a particular adaptation of the skin to the weight gain and body contour.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
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ISSN:1660-5527
1660-5535
DOI:10.1159/000464338