Global prevalence of obesity in patients with psoriasis: An analysis in the past two decades

Background

Obesity is the risk factor for psoriasis. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive review and meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of obesity in patients with psoriasis.

Methods

We examined four databases from their inception to October 2023 and used the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess the quality of observational studies. Data analysis was conducted by R language. Meta-regression, sensitivity and subgroup analyses were used to evaluate inter-study heterogeneity. Egger's test and funnel plots were used to evaluate publication bias.

Results

The global prevalence of psoriasis and obesity comorbidity was 25% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21–0.30). Furthermore, the co-morbidity rate was 18% (95% CI: 0.11–0.24) in children and adolescents, and 35% (95% CI: 0.30–0.39) in adults. The gender-specific prevalence rates were 23% (95% CI: 0.16–0.32) in men and 38% (95% CI: 0.20–0.61) in women. Africa had the highest prevalence (60%, 95% CI: 0.21–0.99), followed by Asia (40%, 95% CI: 0.28–0.51), while Europe and North America had similar prevalence rates at 34% (95% CI: 0.27–0.41) and 31% (95% CI: 0.27–0.38), respectively. Regarding psoriasis severity, obesity prevalence was higher in moderate psoriasis (36%, 95% CI: 0.20–0.64) and lower in mild psoriasis (27%, 95% CI: 0.16–0.46). The prevalence of obesity in the patients with severe psoriasis was 30% (95% CI: 0.20–0.45).

Conclusion

This study underscores the importance of identifying and treating obesity in patients with psoriasis to mitigate disease progression. However, more high-quality observational studies are required to elucidate their global prevalence and comorbid associations.