Link between acne and obesity found

Researchers in Norway have found that overweight girls are twice as likely to report having acne as girls that fall into a normal weight range.

The study polled 3600 18 and 19-year-olds in Oslo, and found that male and female teens had different results, reports Reuters news agency.

Among the boys, acne affected around 14 per cent, regardless of their weight.

However, the girls' results found a link between acne and obesity (overweight girls were twice as likely to be pimple-prone), but didn't prove that either issue caused the other.

Factors such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance and hormonal changes frequently occur with obesity – and these same factors can influence acne.

The role of nutrition in acne is controversial, with some studies saying poor diets contribute to it and other research ruling out a link.

Genetics also play a major role, according to a dermatologist interviewed by Reuters.