A new dangerous property found in belly fat

Abdominal fat was found to be more closely linked to the development of psoriasis than the total amount of fat in the body. This conclusion was reached by researchers from the St. John's Institute of Dermatology. Their work is published in the journal Journal of Investigative Dermatology (JID).

Psoriasis is a chronic non-infectious disease in which the immune system attacks healthy skin cells. It usually manifests as rashes but can also affect nails and joints.

Although the connection between obesity and psoriasis has long been established, how fat distribution affects disease risk has not been sufficiently studied until now. In the new study, scientists analyzed data from more than 330 thousand participants from the UK Biobank, including over 9 thousand people with psoriasis. Fat deposits were evaluated using 25 different indicators with the help of modern imaging methods. It was found that abdominal (visceral) fat most strongly correlates with the risk of developing psoriasis, especially in women.

In addition, researchers noted the potential of incretin drugs that affect the hormones GLP-1 and GIP. These substances regulate blood sugar levels, appetite, and digestion. Already used in the treatment of diabetes and obesity, they may become a promising direction for therapy for patients with psoriasis as well.