Excessive weight favours skin physiology-up to a point: Another expression of the obesity paradox
Abstract
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.
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Overall, the morbidly obese exhibit a reduction in water, measured as an increase in the TEWL compared to normal BMI subjects.
“Overall, the morbidly obese exhibit a reduction in water, measured as an increase in the TEWL compared to normal BMI subjects [69].”
From Sources of inaccuracy in photoplethysmography for continuous cardiovascular monitoring (2021) · cites this paper as [69]
One observation regarding the skin of the obese which may serve to increase PPG signal intensity is the increase in trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) as BMI increases.
“One observation regarding the skin of the obese which may serve to increase PPG signal intensity is the increase in trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) as BMI increases [69].”
From Sources of inaccuracy in photoplethysmography for continuous cardiovascular monitoring (2021) · cites this paper as [69]
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- Authors
- Monteiro Rodrigues, L. M., Palma, L., Santos, O., Almeida, M. A., Bujan, J., & Tavares, L.
- Affiliations
- Universidade Lusófona (PT)
- Unidade Local de Saúde de São José (PT)
- Venue
- Skin Pharmacology and Physiology
- Publisher
- S. Karger AG
- Published
- 2017
- Volume
- 30
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 94-101
- ISSN
- 1422-2868 (ISSN-L)
- 1660-5527
- 1660-5535
- OpenAlex
- W2606945784
- Cited by
- 25
- References
- 35
- Citations by year
- 2025: 2 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 2 · 2017: 1
- FWCI
- 1.56
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Skin Pharmacology and Physiology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Portuguese National Funding Agency for Science, Research and Technology (RCAAP Project by FCT) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Skin Diseases and Diabetes
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Dermatology and Skin Diseases
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Skin Protection and Aging
- Keywords
- obesity, overweight, skin hydration, transepidermal water loss, skin biomechanics, body mass index, morbid obesity, skin physiology, nonlinear relationship
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Obesity, Obesity, Morbid, Skin, Skin Physiological Phenomena, Water Loss, Insensible, Body Mass Index, Overweight, Young Adult
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