title: High prevalence of nickel allergy in an overweight female population: a pilot observational analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In our Allergy Unit, we incidentally observed that a low Nickel diet, prescribed for delayed allergy to Nickel sulfate, reduced body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in overweight patients.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This pilot cross-sectional analysis was undertaken to compare the prevalence of Nickel allergy of overweight individuals versus the general population. We also had the chance to report the efficacy of a low Nickel diet on BMI and waist circumference in Nickel-sensitive overweight subjects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty-seven overweight subjects, with a BMI > 26 Kg/m2, were consecutively enrolled in a health prevention program, and screened for the presence of Nickel allergy. The enrolled population was mostly females (72/87) (82.8%). Forty-three overweight women and two men showed a Nickel allergy and started a low Nickel diet. After 6-months of dieting, 24 overweight allergic women could be traced and changes in BMI and waist circumference were calculated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prevalence of Nickel allergy in overweight.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Prevalence of Nickel allergy in overweight female was 59.7%, compared with a prevalence rate of 12.5% in the general population. A significant reduction in BMI was observed in 24 out of 43 overweight females with Nickel allergy after 24 weeks of a low Nickel diet. Relative to baseline, mean BMI decrease was 4.2 ± 0.5 (P < 0.001) and the mean decline in waist circumference was 11.7 ± 0.6 cm (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This pilot observational analysis showed a substantially higher prevalence of Nickel allergy among overweight females, especially those with metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease. A normocaloric low Nickel diet was effective in reducing BMI in this population. Further research is strongly needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
authors.affiliation: St Vincent Private Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Elena Angela
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Lusi
authors.affiliation: Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu', Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Vincenzo Maria
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Di Ciommo
authors.affiliation: Central Laboratory, Cardiology and Preventive Medicine Unit, Italian Red Cross, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Tommaso
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Patrissi
authors.affiliation: Liver Unit, St Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Guarascio
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009532:Nickel / Q000009:adverse effects*; D050177:Overweight / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D055105:Waist Circumference / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: C029938:nickel sulfate; D009532:Nickel
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