Germain Dermatology blog

HIGHER BMI CAN AFFECT ACNE

HIGHER BMI CAN AFFECT ACNE

This time of year everyone begins to stress about holiday eating and the lovely pounds that come with it. How much can you gain and be ok with, how much do you need to loose before the family feast arrives… it’s an ongoing battle and you’re not in it alone.But, did you realize that being (medically) overweight could actually increase your acne? According to Allure Magazine, “In a study of 2,878 volunteers, all ages 18 or 19, researchers found that women (but not men) who had a BMI over 25 were significantly more likely to have moderate to severe acne than those who had a BMI less than 25, even after accounting for differences in diet… The link did not appear to be influenced by mental distress (which is known to affect both skin and body weight).”

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“The most recent study highlighting a link was published this month in The Archives of Dermatology and included roughly 3,600 teenagers. The researchers looked closely at their weight and its relation to their skin, factoring in several variables that could also play a role, including age, puberty and diet. High-sugar junk foods like candy and soda are not only linked to weight gain, for example, but are also known to worsen acne.”“Researchers have proposed several explanations for the link. One is that an excess of androgens caused by obesity provokes acne.” (Testosterone, for example is an androgen.)  “As for why girls would be more greatly affected than boys, it is possible that having bad skin and being overweight cause them greater psychological strain, which in turn prompts the release of stress hormones that only worsen the problem, some researchers suggest.” NewYork Times Well Blog, by Anahad O’Connor.Maybe a little food for thought to be a touch more conservative with the holiday goodies? Over-eating, and eating badly, doesn’t just affect your muffin top- it can also have serious health effects as well as possibly increasing your acne.If you suffer from moderate to severe acne we suggest you come in to see Dr.Germain or our PAs for a consultation. They can help find a link to what causes your acne, and how to control it. There may be many factors that contribute to your break-outs, and we will get to the bottom of it!

Marguerite Germain

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