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

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis and obesity are risk factors 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 using 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 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 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.