Relationship of Triglyceride Levels and Body Mass Index with Acne Vulgaris Severity in Students of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.v36i2.3303

Keywords:

Acne vulgaris, Body Mass Index, Triglycerides

Abstract

Background Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder impacting the pilosebaceous follicles, manifesting as comedones, papules, pustules, and nodules. Research suggests that elevated triglyceride levels correlate with increased acne severity. Triglycerides, a form of lipid present in the bloodstream and various organs, influence androgen hormone synthesis and sebum secretion, potentially exacerbating acne vulgaris.

 Objective This study aims to investigate the correlation between triglyceride levels, body mass index (BMI), and the severity of acne vulgaris.

Methods Ninety five medical students at Universitas Sumatera Utara diagnosed with acne vulgaris were enrolled in the study. Participants' triglyceride levels were measured through a lipid profile, and acne severity was categorized according to the Lehmann classification method. Body Mass Index (BMI) data were recorded for each participant.

Results Among the participants, for optimal triglyceride levels, the negative parameter estimate (-1.300), The P-value of .007 signifies that this association is statistically significant. This indicates that individuals with optimal triglyceride levels are less prone to severe acne compared to those with high or very high triglyceride levels. Borderline-high triglyceride levels showed a negative parameter estimate (-1.249), suggesting a possible inverse association with acne severity; however, this result did not reach statistical significance ( P-value=.0061). The association between BMI and the severity of acne vulgaris was not statistically significant, as evidenced by  P-values >.05 all BMI categories.

Conclusion The study identified a substantial correlation between triglyceride levels and the severity of acne vulgaris. Nonetheless, no substantial correlation was observed BMI and acne severity.

 

Author Biographies

  • Kurnia Aman Hasibuan, University of North Sumatra

    Student of Faculty of Medicine

  • Dina Arwina Dalimunthe, University of North Sumatra

    Dermatologist and Lecturer at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology

  • Jesslyn Jesslyn, University of North Sumatra

    Student of Faculty of Medicine

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Published

30.06.2026

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Original Articles

How to Cite

1.
Relationship of Triglyceride Levels and Body Mass Index with Acne Vulgaris Severity in Students of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara. J Pak Assoc Dermatol [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 30 [cited 2026 Jul. 1];36(2):277-83. Available from: https://www.jpad.com.pk/index.php/jpad/article/view/3303