Psoriasis and obesity: literature review and recommendations for management

Abstract

Recent studies have found a relationship between obesity and chronic inflammation, confirmed by the association of high levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-_), interleukin six (IL-6,) and reactive C-protein with an increase in body mass index (BMI). In obese individuals, this inflammatory condition could contribute to the development or aggravation of psoriasis. Analogous phenomena have already been described in other inflammatory chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Epidemiological studies have identified a high prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities, secondary to the metabolic alterations associated with psoriasis and obesity. A few aspects of this association remain unclear, such as the impact of obesity in the clinical forms of dermatoses, in the response to treatment, and its relationship with comorbidities.