Dec 26 2008
The Link between Obesity and Psoriasis
The skin disease Psoriasis is linked to obesity by the hormone Leptin which is produced by fat. A new report shows that individuals suffering with psoriasis produce more Leptin than those without the skin disease. Psoriasis produces a red, scaly rash on the skin and is known to be an autoimmune condition. The condition required more tests and studies due to it’s higher association with hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
A study performed by Yi-Ju Chen, M.D. in Taiwan at the Taichung Veterans General Hospital and National Chung Hsing University showed that, out of 158 test patients, those with Psoriasis were more likely than others to be obese and suffer from hypertension as well as elevated levels of glucose in their blood. High levels of Leptin were also found in the Psoriasis sufferers with the highest percentage in women who had the skin disease.
Body weight loss improves the conditions of Psoriasis and blood glucose levels. However, the additional Leptin makes it difficult to lose weight. It’s a “Catch 22.” Other studies have shown diabetic patients to have a high Leptin hormone production.
