A Population-Based Study of Acne and Body Mass Index in Adolescents

A Population-Based Study of Acne and Body Mass Index in Adolescents2][3] There is a growing interest in possible links between diet, lifestyle, and acne. 4,5However, possible relationships remain controversial.On the other hand, the number of overweight children and adolescents is increasing. 6The aim of the present study was to demonstrate a possible relationship between body mass index (BMI) and acne in adolescents. Methods.The study population consisted of adolescents aged 18 or 19 years in Oslo, Norway, who were not seeking health care.The survey was cross-sectional and questionnaire-based.Informed consent was obtained from all participants.The Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics in Norway approved the study.Further information about the study, its population, and its variables are available in an open-access journal. 5A total of 4744 adolescents were invited and the participation rate was 80%.Data were collected on acne from 3655 adolescents and on BMI from 3584 adolescents.The data regarding acne were collected through the following question: "In the last week, have you had pimples?"Response options included (1) No; (2) Yes, a little; (3) Yes, a lot; and (4) Yes, very much.Because the goal was to explore moderate and severe acne, responses 3 and 4 were considered positive for acne for the purpose of this study. 7ody mass index was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared and was based on participants' self-reported answer to the following question: "What was your weight and height when last measured?"A BMI of 25 or higher is considered overweight, and 30 or higher, obese in adolescent boys and girls aged 18 years or older. 8We pooled the overweight and obese categories because there were only 32 obese girls and 37