Background: Dermatoglyphics is the scientific term used for study of epidermal ridges and their configuration on the palmer region of hand and planter region of foot and toes. Obesity is a multifactorial condition (polygenic and environmental). Factors determining obesity in utero may influence dermatoglyphic patterns.
Objectives: To identify dermatoglyphic patterns in obese individuals and to find out the association between the dermatoglyphic patterns and obesity.
Material and Methods: Three government and three private schools were selected by simple random sampling, with a sample size of 370. A predesigned and pretested questionnaire was used to interview the study participants to elicit the information. Body weight and height was measured and body mass index was calculated.
Results: In 42% obese individuals, there was an increase in the number of arches in thumb, mainly right thumb. Out all obese, 29% showed increase in the ATD angle value. There was presence of additional triradii in 17% of obese individuals. Among all obese individuals, 21% had abnormal endings of the main palm lines whereas 11% had reduced C line.
Conclusion: Dermatoglyphic patterns can be used as a marker to detect the obesity. An increased number of arches in thumb may be considered in identifying individuals at high risk for obesity. So, necessary preventive and promotive health measures can be adopted in such identified high-risk individuals.
Key words: Dermatoglyphics, obese, children
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