A Cross Sectional Study of Skin Manifestations in Overweight and Obese School Children Aged 11-18 Years.

Background: Childhood obesity has become a significant public health concern globally, and its impact on the skin is a growing area of interest. Obese children are more likely to develop various skin conditions, including immune-mediated diseases like alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis1,2. The skin manifestations associated with obesity in children can be a marker of insulin resistance and metabolic abnormalities3. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study will be among Overweight and obese school going children aged 11-18 years. Overweight and obese children will be recruited based on the World Health Organization (WHO) growth reference for school-aged children and adolescents4. A pre-structured pro forma will be used to record demographic details, weight, height and BMI. The study was carried out among 135 children over a period of august 2023 to July 2024 in school going children in Devanahalli, Bengaluru rural. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Most of the patients were overweight( 76%). Females (60%) outnumbered males(40%) in our study. M Results: ajority of the patients had acanthosis nigricans (78%), which was followed by striae distensae (20%), acne Vulgaris (8%) and rest of them had no skin manifestations. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant relationship between obesity and skin manifestations in school children aged 11-18 years. The findings suggest that overweight and obese children are more likely to develop various dermatological conditions, which can have a substantial impact on their quality of life. The study's results emphasize the importance of addressing obesity as a comprehensive health issue, incorporating dermatological care as an essential component of overall health management. Early identification and treatment of skin manifestations can help mitigate the negative effects of obesity on skin health and improve the overall well-being of affected children. Healthcare providers should be aware of the dermatological consequences of childhood obesity and provide comprehensive care that addresses skin health. Parents and caregivers should be educated about the skin-related risks associated with obesity and encouraged to promote healthy lifestyle habits.