Impact of Body Mass Index on Acne Severity – Findings from a Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study (100 Cases)

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, mainly affecting adolescents and young adults. Its pathogenesis involves hormonal, genetic, and microbial factors, with recent evidence suggesting a possible role of metabolic parameters like Body Mass Index (BMI). However, the association between BMI and acne severity remains inconsistent across studies. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between BMI and acne severity among patients attending the dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. Methods & Materials: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 clinically diagnosed acne vulgaris patients aged 15–35 years. Demographic and anthropometric data were recorded, and BMI was calculated as weight (kg)/height (m²) and categorized per WHO standards. Acne severity was assessed using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, applying chi-square and Pearson’s correlation tests. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age was 21.8 ± 3.4 years, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.38:1 and a mean BMI of 24.3 ± 3.7 kg/m². Moderate acne was most common (40%), followed by mild (29%), severe (22%), and very severe (9%). A significant positive association was found between higher BMI and greater acne severity (χ² = 12.87, p = 0.01), with a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.32, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Elevated BMI is significantly associated with increased acne severity, highlighting the potential role of weight management in acne control.