Weight Gain Over Time in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients: Trends and Implications

Abstract

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is often seen in overweight and obese patients. However, little is documented about weight gain over time in HS patients.Methods: From August 2009 to March 2018, all patients in the UCLA HS clinic were asked at initial examination about their weight gain since high school.Results: A cohort of 143 HS patients were found to have a significant mean BMI increase of 4.7 (25.5 to 30.2, p<0.0001) from high school until time of presentation (approximately a 15-year interval). Of the patients with ≥10 point BMI increase, 85.2% were women. 59.6% of women were normal weight in high school with an average BMI of 24.8 (SD 6.41, range 14-50) and 78.7% were overweight or obese at time of HS clinic intake. Hispanic HS patients were found to have more weight gain than other ethnic groups, (p=0.09) which may be clinically significant.Conclusions: Although many HS patients were normal weight or mildly overweight in high school, most become obese in early adulthood. Since obesity is thought to increase HS severity, weight management should be stressed in HS patients early on before weight gain occurs.

Lifestyle modifications and complementary treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa

“…8 Appropriate weight loss can also reduce the risk of comorbidities associated with HS such as metabolic syndrome, myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular-associated death. 14 Dietary modifications and exercise are first-line recommendations for weight loss and dietary changes are the most commonly reported lifestyle change by HS patients. 3 Clinicians may consider referring patients to nutritionists to assist with dietary modifications.…”

Diagnosis and management of hidradenitis suppurativa in women

“…50 This may be secondary to increased weight causing increased friction, which may contribute to the development of HS; in addition, adipocyte tissue promotes a subacute inflammatory state with increased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-a, which may increase Clinical Opinion ajog.org keratinocyte proliferation and follicular occlusion. 51 Thus, weight reduction through exercise and dietary modifications should be encouraged. Pregnant women, who are expected to gain weight, should be counselled on benefits of appropriate weight gain.…”