Fast Five Quiz: Obesity Comorbidities

Elif A. Oral, MD

Disclosures

January 31, 2022

There is a degree of synergy between obesity and psoriasis, which are interconnected chronic inflammatory states. Studies have shown the fat cells of individuals with overweight or obesity release inflammatory cytokines, which play a role in the worsening of psoriasis symptoms. High levels of resistin and leptin have also been found in patients with comorbid psoriasis and obesity.

It has been difficult to determine which comes first: obesity or psoriasis. However, epidemiologic studies provide strong evidence that obesity predisposes patients to psoriasis and intensifies psoriatic inflammation.

Studies have shown that diet and exercise improve the overall health of the patients, are effective in combating oxidative stressors, and positively affect the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores of patients with psoriasis.

While still ongoing, studies indicate that for patients with obesity who are on biologics for psoriasis, weight reduction may increase the efficacy of the drug. Earlier studies have shown improved efficacy of cyclosporine therapy with weight loss among patients with obesity and psoriasis.

Learn more about pharmacologic approaches for obesity management.

Comments

3090D553-9492-4563-8681-AD288FA52ACE
Comments on Medscape are moderated and should be professional in tone and on topic. You must declare any conflicts of interest related to your comments and responses. Please see our Commenting Guide for further information. We reserve the right to remove posts at our sole discretion.

processing....