Skin as a Metabolic Organ: Dermatologic Markers of Morbid Obesity and Their Role in Risk Stratification and Treatment Monitoring

The document explores the role of the skin as a metabolic organ in morbid obesity, focusing on dermatologic markers like acanthosis nigricans and multiple acrochordons, which are linked to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. These markers may aid in risk stratification and treatment monitoring, although the evidence is largely observational and lacks standardized scoring systems. The review suggests that while skin changes can serve as non-invasive indicators of metabolic risk, they should not replace established biochemical assessments. Future research should aim to validate these markers and potentially integrate them into clinical practice, possibly using artificial intelligence for standardized evaluation.