Weight and Hyperhidrosis

Does obesity have anything to do with hyperhidrosis?
Again the answer is no. Obesity is far as we know now has something to do with Western lifestyle and diet, but genetics also play a major role. We know that hyperhidrosis is caused by a genetic trait but patients can be genetically predisposed to different illnesses or traits. It is known from different studies that more than 50% of patients who filled up questionnaires about hyperhidrosis had a family history of hyperhidrosis. We know the location of the gene we believe responsible for hyperhidrosis however manipulating this gene is clinically not available.

Patients who are excessively obese can pose two additional problems. First an operation on obese patients is much more difficult. This is due to the fact that the nerves are surrounded by a lot of fatty tissue making the exposure of those nerves more difficult. Second obese patients do have a bigger body surface area and hands containing more sweat glands. In return their chance of getting severe compensatory sweating is higher.

Does being skinny have anything to do with hyperhidrosis?
No, there are patients who are skinny and suffer from hyperhidrosis and at the same time a lot patients are with a normal height weight ratio and some of them are skinny. There is no evidence that hyperhidrosis causes any hyper metabolic situation in which patients can lose weight because of excessive sweating.

Other topics of interest:

• Sweaty Hands
• Sweaty Feet
• Armpit Sweating
• What is ETS - Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy
• Details of the surgery
• Patient Testimonials
• Younger Age Hyperhidrosis
• Frequently asked hyperhidrosis questions
• Ask Dr. Reisfeld a question
• Request an information packet and evaluation

Do you have a question that is not answered here? Just ask and we will answer you right away. To ask your question click here.

Please view our disclaimer.

© 1996- The Center for Hyperhidrosis - Finally a cure for excessive sweating of the hands, feet and armpits. All rights reserved.