A CLINICAL STUDY ON THE DERMATOLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF OBESITY AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Background: Obesity is a growing public health problem and is frequently associated with a variety of dermatological manifestations resulting from metabolic, hormonal, inflammatory, and mechanical factors. The skin often reflects underlying systemic alterations in obese individuals and may serve as an early indicator of metabolic abnormalities. Objectives: To study the spectrum of dermatological manifestations in obese patients attending a tertiary care centre and to analyze their distribution in relation to demographic factors and severity of obesity. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology of a tertiary care centre over a period of 12 months. A total of 150 obese patients (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) were included. Demographic details, BMI classification, associated comorbidities, and dermatological findings were recorded using a structured proforma. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Most patients belonged to the 31–50-year age group, with a female predominance. Class I obesity was the most common BMI category. Acanthosis nigricans was observed in nearly two-thirds of patients, followed by skin tags, striae distensae, intertrigo, and fungal infections. Cutaneous manifestations were more frequent and severe with increasing BMI, and a substantial proportion of patients had associated metabolic comorbidities, particularly diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Conclusion: Obesity is associated with a wide range of dermatological manifestations that may serve as visible markers of underlying metabolic dysfunction. Early identification of these cutaneous signs can facilitate timely diagnosis and comprehensive management of obese patients