How to Eliminate Body Odor in Overweight People
Skin folds create areas with decreased airflow and increased sweat. When this sweat mixes with odor-causing bacteria, an unpleasant odor results, according to Kid's Health. This process isn't limited to overweight people. Anyone who has any type of skin fold or overlap, such as underarms, can experience this type of odor. A few hygiene and routine changes can help decrease perspiration and lessen or eliminate the bacteria that lead to odor.
Shower or bathe and wash with antibacterial soap to start off your day with a clean slate. If you sweat excessively or if you're very overweight with a lot of skin folds, you may have to shower in the morning and before going out in the evening.
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Wet the tip of a stick of crystal rock body deodorizer, available in the deodorant aisle of your drugstore. Apply a thin, clear layer of deodorizer under your breasts and between any skin folds, including belly rolls, thigh rolls and back rolls. Apply it to the backs of your knees, your feet or other places where you typically sweat a lot. These natural salts create a clear barrier on your skin that doesn't permit bacteria to thrive.
Apply an antiperspirant and deodorant to your underarms. Antiperspirants stop you from sweating, and deodorants neutralize odor caused by bacteria so the two in combination are most effective against body odor, according to the Mayo Clinic 1.
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Get dressed and choose clothes that allow for air flow to your skin, such as cotton and other natural fibers.
Use a light misting of perfume or body spray. Don't rely on these products to eliminate odor. They can only mask it at best and make you smell more pleasant as your deodorants begin to wear off.
Stop in the bathroom during your workday to reapply deodorants and crystal salts if you find yourself starting to sweat more or if you detect any odor.
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References
- KidsHealth: What's Sweat?
- Hamada K, Haruyama S, Yamaguchi T, et al. What determines human body odour? Exp Dermatol. 2014;23(5):316-7. doi:10.1111/exd.12380
- Cleveland Clinic. Sweating and Body Odor. Updated October 9, 2018.
- Cleveland Clinic. Sweating and Body Odor: Possible Causes. Updated October 9, 2018.
- Cleveland Clinic. Sweating and Body Odor: Care and Treatment. Updated October 9, 2018.
- Callewaert C, De Maeseneire E, Kerckhof FM, Verliefde A, Van de Wiele T, Boon N. Microbial odor profile of polyester and cotton clothes after a fitness session. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2014;80(21):6611–6619. doi:10.1128/AEM.01422-14
- Pastor DK, Harper DS. Treating Body Odor in Primary Care.The Nurse Practitioner. 2012 Mar 13;37(3):15-8.
Writer Bio
A Jill-of-all-trades, Lillian Downey is a certified Responsible Sexuality Educator, certified clinical phlebotomist and a certified non-profit administrator. She's also written extensively on gardening and cooking. She also authors blogs on nail art blog and women's self esteem.