Psoriasis Linked to Higher Metabolic Syndrome Risk that worsens with Disease Severity: Study

Researchers have found in a new research that Psoriasis was  linked to Higher Metabolic Syndrome Risk that worsens with Disease Severity.

New systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Frontiers in Medicine revealed a significant link between psoriasis and the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS), highlighting the need for greater medical vigilance and multidisciplinary care in managing patients with chronic skin conditions.

The comprehensive study analyzed data from 12 previously published studies, involving a total of 9,641 individuals diagnosed with psoriasis. Among them, 2,554 patients were also found to have metabolic syndrome, including high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels, that collectively increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

This study conducted an extensive literature search across major databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, and the Cochrane Central Register, covering publications until February 8, 2025. Studies included in the meta-analysis comprised case–control, cohort, and cross-sectional designs, and were restricted to English and Chinese languages. Two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality and extracted relevant data before performing statistical analyses using Stata 17.0.

The meta-analysis found that the pooled incidence of metabolic syndrome among psoriasis patients was 26.49%, which meant more than one in four individuals with psoriasis also suffer from MetS. When compared to individuals without psoriasis, patients with the skin condition exhibited a 27% higher odds of developing MetS [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.27; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.21–1.33; p < 0.001].

Further insights were drawn from a subgroup analysis that examined disease severity. Psoriasis patients with higher disease activity, defined by a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score of 10 or more, were found to have more than double the risk of metabolic syndrome (OR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.27–3.99; p < 0.001). This finding highlights that the severity of psoriasis directly impacts the likelihood of developing systemic health complications.

The key findings from the data analysis show a consistent pattern, where both the general population of psoriasis patients and especially those with severe disease are at significantly increased risk for MetS.

Overall, the results support that psoriasis is not just a skin disease but a systemic inflammatory disorder with broader health implications. The study emphasized the importance of routine screening for metabolic abnormalities in psoriasis patients and encouraged dermatologists and general practitioners to collaborate closely for early intervention and comprehensive care.

Reference:

Li, Z., Gu, Z., Xiang, J., & Zhang, X. (2025). The incidence of metabolic syndrome in psoriasis patients and its correlation with disease activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Medicine, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1593003