Excess belly fat may trigger skin infection - psoriasis; science says

A recent study found that excess belly fat may increase the risk of developing psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, particularly in women. Experts now recommend focusing on waist size, core strength, and lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation and disease risk.

Researchers analysed data from over 330,000 individuals in the UK and discovered a strong connection between abdominal fat and psoriasis. The finding suggests that central adiposity, or belly fat, plays a key role in psoriasis development. This indicates that carrying excess weight around the midsection may have serious health implications beyond aesthetics.


Connection between excess belly fat and skin infection- psoriasisA study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that belly fat measurements, such as waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference, are more strongly associated with psoriasis risk than traditional indicators like Body Mass Index (BMI). The researchers evaluated 25 fat-related body measurements and found that those related to abdominal fat showed the strongest links to psoriasis.

Experts examined how different measures of adiposity- including BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio- influence the risk of developing psoriasis. This study emphasizes the importance of an alternative model for assessing health status, beyond merely BMI, particularly due to growing concerns about belly fat. By addressing waist size and modifying unhealthy behaviors, individuals can reduce their risk of psoriasis and improve overall skin health.


What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Research links it to metabolic syndromes, particularly obesity. Adiposity is common among individuals with psoriasis, particularly those with more severe disease. Evidence suggests a risk-increasing casual relationship between increasing levels of adiposity and psoriasis

Increasing body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio have all been associated with a higher risk of psoriasis in large population studies. Research shows that many people with psoriasis have high body fat levels.


How body fat and genetics may drive psoriasis riskResearchers analysed both clinical and genetic data from over 330,000 UK Biobank participants. They examined 25 body fat measures using traditional and advanced imaging methods to assess their association with psoriasis. The study demonstrated relationships with body composition traits and psoriasis risk, as well as genetic variants that may contribute to each condition.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and Mendelian randomization were used to identify potential casual relationships, allowing researchers to examine beyond correlation the biological basis of the observed associations.


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