A recent study has revealed a concerning connection between belly fat and an increased risk of developing psoriasis, particularly in women. The research, titled “Investigating the Genetic Basis of the Influence of Adiposity on Psoriasis,” was published in the *Journal of Investigative Dermatology* and highlights the significant role of abdominal fat in the development of this chronic skin condition.
The study analyzed data from over 336,000 individuals from the UK Biobank, including 9,305 people diagnosed with psoriasis. Researchers examined 25 different measures of body fat and found that central or abdominal fat, more than overall body fat, was most strongly linked to the disease. This connection was found to be especially pronounced in women, raising important questions about how the distribution of body fat impacts disease risk and what measures can be taken to prevent it.
Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disorder, causes red, scaly patches to form on the skin and can severely affect both physical and emotional well-being. It is well established that people with psoriasis tend to have higher levels of body fat, and previous research has shown that obesity can increase both the risk and severity of the disease. However, this new study delves deeper into how the location of body fat—specifically abdominal fat—may be a more critical factor than the total amount of fat.
The study’s findings suggest that women may be more affected by abdominal fat in relation to psoriasis, although the exact reasons behind this remain unclear. As the research continues, experts stress the importance of understanding how fat distribution influences disease risks, which could ultimately lead to more effective prevention strategies for those at risk.
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