New Study Connects Adult Acne to Higher Risk of Eating Disorders

Recent research highlights a significant link between adult acne and an increased likelihood of developing eating disorders. The study, published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, found that individuals with acne are 2.4 times more prone to eating disorders compared to those without acne. Notably, even after adjusting for factors like mood and body image disorders, acne was associated with a 65% higher risk.

Dr. Jeffrey Cohen, leading the research and director of the Psoriasis Treatment Program at Yale School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of these findings for healthcare providers. "Our results suggest that clinicians caring for patients with acne should be vigilant for signs of eating disorders to offer more comprehensive care," he stated.

The study analyzed data from nearly 7,400 adults with acne and compared them to over 207,000 individuals without acne across the United States. Findings indicate that acne might act as a psychological stimulus, especially in those already at risk or with existing mental health challenges, by amplifying concerns about appearance and fostering cognitive biases such as overestimating body size, which can lead to disordered eating behaviors.

Although acne and eating disorders are more commonly associated with teenagers, this research underscores their relevance in adult populations. Cohen highlighted that further studies including all age groups are necessary to better understand this connection.

The message for patients is clear: anyone experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder, regardless of their acne status, should seek professional support. Recognizing this link can allow for earlier intervention and more holistic treatment approaches.

For more detailed insights, see the original study: Michael R. Nock et al, "Acne and eating disorders: A retrospective cohort study of US adults," DOI: 10.1111/jdv.20697.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-adult-acne-disorders.html