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A new study has found that fat stored around the belly increases the chance of developing psoriasis, a long-term skin disease, more than overall body fat. This link is especially strong in women and happens regardless of a person’s genetic risk.
Researchers studied data from over 330,000 people in the UK, including more than 9,000 with psoriasis. They used different methods to measure body fat and found that central fat around the waist is an important factor in psoriasis risk.
While it was already known that being overweight raises the risk, this study shows that where fat is stored matters a lot.
Doctors say measuring waist size and keeping a healthy weight could help prevent or reduce psoriasis. The findings also suggest new treatments might focus on reducing belly fat. However, the study looked only at people of white British background, so more research is needed on other groups.
In conclusion, this study highlights the important role of belly fat in psoriasis risk and suggests that managing abdominal fat could be a key step in preventing and treating this skin condition. Taking care of your waistline may not only improve overall health but also help reduce the chances of developing psoriasis.
Reference:
Ramessur, R., et al. (2025). Investigating the Genetic Basis of the Influence of Adiposity on Psoriasis: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Large United Kingdom Population–Based Biobank. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2025.03.024.