A Discussion on the Relationship between Skin Lipid Metabolism and Whole-Body Glucose and Lipid Metabolism: Systematic Review

The obesity epidemic is a costly public health crisis that is not improving. In addition to the stigma and discomfort associated with carrying extra weight (at the expense of range of movement), obesity also goes hand-in-hand with co-morbidities like fatty liver disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk of some forms of cancer. Currently there are no long-lasting treatments for obesity other than diet and exercise, which are not feasible for many populations that may not be equipped with the resources and/or support needed to lead a healthy lifestyle. Although there have been some pharmacological breakthroughs for treating obesity, each FDA-approved drug comes with unpleasant side-effects that make adherence unlikely. As a result, alternate approaches are necessary. In this review, we outline the relationship between skin lipid metabolism and whole-body glucose and lipid metabolism. Specifically, by summarizing studies that employed mice that were genetically modified to interrupt lipid metabolism in the skin. As a result, we propose that skin might be an overlooked, but viable target for combating obesity.