Association between obesity measured by different parameters and severity of psoriasis

Background Obesity has been associated with the severity of psoriasis, but this relationship is not completely understood. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate associations between the severity of psoriasis and weight excess as determined using a variety of parameters. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed in 296 psoriasis patients. Their body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist : hip ratio (WHR) values were compared with results on a psoriasis area severity index (PASI). Results The frequency of severe psoriasis was higher in men (P < 0.05). Direct correlations were established between PASI scores and each of BMI (R = 0.0154, P = 0.01), WC (R = 0.207, P = 0.001), and WHR (R = 0.164, P = 0.007). Conclusions This study extends previous reports of an association between psoriasis and obesity and shows a direct correlation between obesity as measured according to different parameters and psoriasis severity.