June 24, 2025: A new study led by researchers at King’s College London has revealed a strong connection between abdominal fat and the risk of developing psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, the research analyzed data from over 330,000 participants in the UK Biobank, including more than 9,000 individuals with psoriasis.
🔬 Key Findings: Waist Fat a Bigger Risk Than BMI
Unlike traditional health metrics like Body Mass Index (BMI), the study found that central fat measurements — such as waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference, abdominal fat ratio, and total abdominal fat tissue — were more accurate predictors of psoriasis.
“Where fat is stored in the body matters,” said Dr. Ravi Ramessur, lead investigator. “Central fat—especially around the waist—plays a key role in psoriasis risk.”
This suggests that BMI alone is insufficient to assess psoriasis risk, reinforcing the need for targeted body fat evaluations in both diagnosis and prevention strategies.
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💡 Why This Matters
Psoriasis is a long-term inflammatory disease that affects quality of life and has been historically associated with obesity. However, this study refines that understanding by demonstrating that not just how much fat, but where it’s stored, has a critical role in disease development.
Co-author Dr. Catherine H. Smith emphasized the global relevance:
“As obesity rates continue to rise worldwide, it’s crucial to understand how fat distribution contributes to chronic inflammatory conditions.”
👩⚕️ Stronger Effect in Women and Implications for Prevention
Interestingly, researchers observed a stronger association between central fat and psoriasis in women, suggesting possible biological or hormonal factors yet to be fully understood.
The findings suggest that routine waist circumference measurements could aid in early identification of high-risk individuals, supporting proactive lifestyle interventions.
⚠️ Limitations and Next Steps
- The study focused solely on individuals of White British ancestry, limiting its generalisability.
- Future research is needed across more diverse populations and with clinically confirmed psoriasis diagnoses.
Dr. Ramessur concluded:
“Our findings open the door to exploring biological mechanisms behind this link and how they might differ by sex or ethnicity.”
✅ Takeaway
This study shifts the spotlight from general obesity to abdominal fat as a key risk factor for psoriasis, urging revised clinical guidelines that prioritize waist-focused screening and personalized treatment plans.