Obesity may reduce efficacy of psoriasis therapies

A robust association exists between psoriasis and obesity, a recent study has shown. 

"Obesity decreases efficacy of biologics and may decrease efficacy and potentiate side effects of conventional therapies,” the researchers said. “It also impacts drug survival.” 

In this study, a comprehensive literature search was carried out using the following keywords: ‘psoriasis’, ‘obesity’, ‘efficacy’, ‘treatments’, and ‘therapies’.  The search was completed on 19 July 2024.  

A panel consisting of 11 dermatologists with significant expertise in the treatment of psoriasis reviewed the articles and made consensus statements.Subsequently, the panel approved each statement and assigned a strength of recommendation using a modified Delphi process. 

Overall, 500 articles were identified by the literature search. Of these, only 22 were found to have met the eligibility criteria. The panel voted unanimously and adopted 10 consensus statements and recommendations: six received a strength of “A,” two received a strength of “B,”, and another two received a strength of “C.” 

“Weight control is a vital component of caring for patients with psoriasis, and the number of therapeutic options available is rising,” the researchers said.  

“Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease often associated with obesity. Psoriasis therapies may be less effective in patients with obesity,” they noted.