Researchers have found that abdominal fat is a stronger risk factor for psoriasis than total body fat, especially in women. This link remains true regardless of genetic background, making central fat an independent risk factor for the skin condition. The findings, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology by Elsevier, could help improve early risk detection and personalized prevention efforts.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects quality of life. Many people with psoriasis also have high body fat. While previous research shows body fat raises psoriasis risk, the role of fat distribution and genetics was less clear.
This study analyzed data from over 330,000 White British participants in the UK Biobank, including more than 9,000 with psoriasis. Researchers used 25 measures of body fat, combining traditional methods and advanced imaging, to see which fat types linked to psoriasis.
Dr. Ravi Ramessur of King’s College London, lead investigator, said, “Where fat is stored matters. Fat around the waist plays a key role in psoriasis risk. This can help us identify people more likely to develop or worsen psoriasis and guide prevention and treatment.”
Senior author Dr. Catherine H. Smith, also at King’s College, added, “As obesity rates rise globally, it is vital to understand how fat patterns affect chronic diseases like psoriasis. Our results show central fat raises psoriasis risk no matter the genetics, highlighting the importance of waist measurement and weight control in care.”
The study’s focus on White British participants may limit its broader application. Future research should include diverse populations and confirmed psoriasis diagnoses to confirm and refine these findings.
Dr. Ramessur noted the strong link between central fat and psoriasis, especially in women, was surprising. He said it suggests unknown biological factors that need more study.
In an editorial, Dr. Joel M. Gelfand from the University of Pennsylvania emphasized the potential of incretin therapies for psoriasis. These drugs, originally for diabetes and obesity, may reduce psoriasis severity by targeting metabolic pathways.
Dr. Gelfand stated, “The close connection between psoriasis and obesity and the promise of GLP-1 receptor agonists call for large trials testing these drugs as psoriasis treatments. We need to move beyond just treating skin and joints to address the full disease spectrum including metabolic health.”
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