New Data Show BMI Influences Psoriasis Severity and Systemic Inflammation
Key Takeaways
In a new analysis of 18 clinical trials of ixekizumab, more than 75% of participants with moderate-to-severe psoriasis also had overweight or obesity,
Obesity was associated with an 11-fold higher prevalence of multiple comorbidities.
Elevated BMI correlated with greater systemic inflammation and psoriasis severity.
Obesity and overweight status were associated with higher baseline prevalence of cardiometabolic comorbidities, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and systemic inflammation compared to individuals with normal BMI, according to new data from a poster at 2026 Winter Clinical Hawaii.
Researchers for the integrated analysis of over 7,000 participants with moderate-to-severe psoriasis looked at data from 18 randomized clinical trials of ixekizumab. Approximately 76% of participants fell into the overweight or obese BMI categories. According to the findings, individuals with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) had an 11-fold higher likelihood of presenting with three or more comorbidities at baseline (72.2% vs. 6.5%) compared to those with normal BMI (18.5kg/m² to 24.9 kg/m²). Key comorbidities included hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease, and PsA. Baseline disease severity (PASI and sPGA scores) also showed a statistically significant associations with obesity (P < 0.001), as did levels of C-reactive protein (CRP).
“These findings suggest a higher burden of comorbidities in people with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who are overweight or obese and underscore broader health implications for this patient population,” the authors concluded. “With new options to manage both moderate-to-severe psoriasis and overweight or obesity, there may be an opportunity for dermatologists to intervene to modify overall disease and health among people with both conditions."
Source: Merola J, Lebowhl M, Griffiths C, et al. High Body Mass Index (BMI) Psoriasis is Associated With Higher Prevalence of Cardiometabolic Disease, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Systemic Inflammation. Presented at: 2026 Winter Clinical Hawaii, January 16-21, Maui.