Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by rapid skin cell turnover. This review investigates the impact of obesity on the onset and severity of plaque psoriasis. A comprehensive search across four databases identified 661 relevant articles. After removing duplicates and screening for relevance using Rayyan Qatar Computing Research Institute, 47 full-text articles were reviewed, with five studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Data from 632 patients across the five studies were analyzed, with 57.4% being male (n = 363). The findings indicate that lifestyle-induced weight loss, such as low-calorie diets, improves both psoriasis treatment outcomes and metabolic parameters, including triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. An elevated body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased disease severity, reduced treatment response, and a higher prevalence of comorbidities, such as diabetes and hypertension. Nevertheless, treatments such as calcipotriol-betamethasone ointments remain effective across all BMI categories. Obesity significantly influences the development, progression, and management of plaque psoriasis. Weight management through lifestyle interventions enhances treatment response and disease control. As global obesity rates continue to rise, incorporating weight management and addressing related comorbidities into psoriasis care are essential. Future studies should aim to standardize obesity definitions, assess the long-term effects of weight loss, and develop personalized treatment strategies.

Key words: Plaque psoriasis; Obesity; Obese patients; Incidence; Disease progression; Systematic review.