Does Belly Fat Increase Psoriasis Risk in Women?
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Synopsis
A recent study suggests a significant link between abdominal fat and psoriasis risk in women, prompting a deeper investigation into weight management for effective psoriasis care. Find out what researchers discovered about fat distribution and its implications for treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Central body fat is a stronger risk factor for psoriasis in women compared to total body fat.
- Weight management is crucial in the treatment of psoriasis.
- Research highlights the need for measuring waist circumference in psoriasis care.
- Identifying individuals with high central fat can help in prevention strategies.
- Further investigation is needed into the biological mechanisms linking fat distribution and psoriasis.
New Delhi, May 27 (NationPress) Central body fat, particularly around the abdomen, is significantly more associated with the risk of developing psoriasis than overall body fat, especially in women, according to a study released on Tuesday. This highlights the importance of weight management in the treatment of psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that can greatly affect an individual's quality of life. Many people suffering from psoriasis also tend to have higher levels of body fat.
While it is well known that increasing body fat raises the likelihood of psoriasis, the role of fat distribution and genetic factors remains unclear.
Researchers from King’s College London, UK, indicated that the connection between central fat and psoriasis was consistent, regardless of genetic factors, suggesting that abdominal fat is an independent risk factor.
“Our study indicates that the location of fat storage is crucial when considering psoriasis risk. Central fat, particularly around the waist, appears to play a significant role. This has vital implications for identifying individuals who might be more prone to developing psoriasis or experiencing its more severe forms, as well as for prevention and treatment approaches,” stated lead investigator Ravi Ramessur from St John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College London.
The research, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, analyzed data from over 330,000 participants, including more than 9,000 individuals diagnosed with psoriasis. The team evaluated 25 different measures of body fat using traditional methods and advanced imaging techniques to see how each correlated with psoriasis.
The link was consistently strong across various measures of central fat, with a notably stronger effect observed in women.
The identified associations between central body fat and psoriasis suggest there may be underlying biological mechanisms contributing to the disease that require further exploration, according to the researchers.
While these findings may not apply universally to other diverse populations, the study underscores the necessity of measuring waist circumference and adopting healthy weight strategies in psoriasis management.
Point of View
I believe this study presents crucial insights into the relationship between body fat distribution and psoriasis risk. The findings highlight the need for proactive weight management and tailored treatment strategies, especially for women. This research could pave the way for better care and understanding of psoriasis within the nation.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How does body fat distribution affect psoriasis risk?
Research indicates that central body fat, especially around the abdomen, is more significantly linked to psoriasis risk than total body fat, particularly in women.
What impact does psoriasis have on quality of life?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can severely affect an individual's quality of life, leading to physical and emotional challenges.
Can weight management strategies help in psoriasis treatment?
Yes, effective weight management strategies, particularly focusing on reducing central body fat, can play a vital role in managing psoriasis.
