Abdominal Fat Tied to Psoriasis Risk, Especially in Women

⁣ ‍ ⁢ Updated May 27, 2025
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Excess body fat has long been associated with an increased risk of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Now, researchers⁤ are zeroing in⁢ on‍ the specific role of abdominal fat. A new study indicates ‍that central body fat, particularly around the abdomen, ⁢presents‍ a stronger link to psoriasis risk than total ⁢body fat,⁢ especially among women.

The research, which appeared in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, analyzed data from over 330,000 individuals of White British descent in the UK Biobank. The study included more than 9,000 ⁤people diagnosed with psoriasis. Researchers examined 25 ⁢measures ⁤of body fat, employing both ‍conventional and⁢ advanced imaging techniques.

Ravi Ramessur, MD, of King’s College London, led the examination. He said the research⁤ highlights⁤ the importance ‍of where fat is stored in the body when assessing psoriasis risk.Ramessur noted that central fat appears to play a‍ key role. This could⁣ influence how experts identify at-risk individuals and tailor prevention and treatment strategies.

Catherine H. Smith, ‍MD, also of King’s College London, served as senior author. She ⁤emphasized⁣ the global rise in obesity rates. Smith said understanding how different body fat patterns affect inflammatory ⁢conditions like psoriasis is crucial. The findings suggest ⁢that abdominal fat contributes to psoriasis risk nonetheless ⁢of genetic factors.⁤ She also reinforced the importance of measuring waist circumference and promoting⁣ healthy weight strategies in psoriasis care.

researchers caution that the study’s focus on individuals of White British ancestry may limit the findings’ broader applicability. Further studies with more diverse populations⁤ and dermatologist-confirmed diagnoses are needed to validate these associations and refine risk assessment.

Ramessur expressed surprise at the consistent strength of the association across different central fat measures. He also noted the stronger effect observed in women. He suggested that the links between abdominal ⁢fat and psoriasis point to ‍underlying biological mechanisms that require further investigation.

joel M. Gelfand, MD, of the University‍ of Pennsylvania Perelman School of⁣ medicine, addressed ⁣the potential of incretin therapy for psoriatic disease in an accompanying⁤ editorial. Incretins, gut-derived hormones, regulate glucose, digestion, and appetite.They are already approved for treating diabetes, obesity, and obesity-associated sleep⁤ apnea.

Gelfand stated that the strong relationship between psoriasis ⁣and obesity, coupled with the promise of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RA), calls for large-scale clinical trials of GLP1RA monotherapy for psoriasis treatment. He argued that the current approach of focusing solely on skin and joint manifestations is outdated. He ⁢cited the evolving understanding of the relationship between psoriasis, obesity, and cardiometabolic disease.

What’s next

Future research will focus on understanding the biological mechanisms linking abdominal fat and psoriasis. Studies incorporating diverse populations are also planned to broaden the applicability of these findings and refine risk stratification approaches for psoriasis.