Obese children are more prone to developing skin conditions related to the immune system

Research published in *Journal of Investigative Dermatology* finds that childhood obesity is linked to a higher risk of immune-mediated skin diseases (IMSDs) like alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. The study, analyzing data from 2,161,900 Korean children from 2009 to 2020, suggests that maintaining a healthy weight may reduce the risk of developing these conditions.

IMSDs can negatively impact a child’s emotional, physical, and social wellbeing. Although biologics can help treat conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, challenges remain due to limited treatment options and lack of clinical trials for systemic therapies. The rising rates of childhood obesity, worsened by the pandemic, have intensified this public health issue.

The study found obese children are more likely to develop IMSDs. Specifically, those who gained weight had a higher risk of atopic dermatitis, while those who lost weight had a lower risk compared to those who stayed overweight. Promoting weight management and healthy diets could help prevent IMSDs in children.