Does Psoriasis Cause Weight Gain? The Connection Between Psoriasis and Weight

Experts believe that both psoriasis and a person’s weight are influenced by a combination of genetic, hormonal, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Though the link isn’t fully understood, there is some evidence to show that psoriasis can cause weight gain, and vice versa.

Understanding how psoriasis and weight gain can impact one another can help set your psoriasis treatment expectations and inform your treatment strategies.

In this article, we’ll explain the connection between psoriasis and weight, how one can influence the other, and how to manage each condition.

Can Psoriasis Cause Weight Gain?

Yes, there is evidence to show that psoriasis can cause weight gain in some people. 

The connection between psoriasis and weight gain isn’t fully understood, but there is a growing amount of research investigating how one affects the other. 

Chronic Inflammation

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition marked by inflammation in the body. Some research suggests that psoriatic inflammation can lead to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction, which can cause weight gain. 

Other studies list obesity as a common complication of psoriasis, along with other cardio-metabolic conditions, like heart disease.  

Side Effects of Psoriasis Treatments

Some treatments used to treat psoriasis can also cause weight gain as a side effect, including some systemics and biologics.

It's important to understand how side effects impact your health. Working closely with providers that offer comprehensive care, like Zest, can help you navigate these treatment choices with ease.  

Lifestyle Factors

People living with psoriasis have a higher risk of social isolation, depression, alcohol consumption, reduced exercise, and poor eating habits. All of these lifestyle factors can also cause weight gain. 

Can Weight Gain Cause Psoriasis?

Many experts believe the connection between psoriasis and weight gain is bidirectional, meaning one can influence and impact the other. 

In addition to evidence showing that psoriasis can cause weight gain in some people, there is research to demonstrate that weight gain can increase the risk of developing psoriasis, too. 

There are a few ways in which researchers believe that living at a higher weight may cause psoriasis, including:

• Having more body weight can trigger inflammation, which dysregulates the immune system.
• Having more body fat causes greater adipokine secretion, a molecule that can cause inflammation. 
• Changes in the gut microbiota associated with weight gain may impact systemic inflammation in the body. 

Managing Psoriasis and Weight

Because of the suspected relationship between psoriasis and weight, managing one condition can have a positive impact on the other.

Diet and Exercise

Both diet and exercise can be effective complementary strategies for reducing inflammation in the body and managing psoriasis. They’re also important components of weight loss and maintenance.

Research shows that making changes to your diet can have a positive impact on psoriasis. It can reduce symptom severity and the likelihood of developing common psoriasis comorbidities, as well as help combat overall inflammation.

Exercise can also benefit psoriasis, as long as you listen to your body and don’t engage in activity that exacerbates your symptoms.

One review from 2022 found that exercise can be especially beneficial as an adjunct treatment for people with psoriasis and excess weight. 

Medical Treatment Options for Psoriasis

Some of the medical treatment options for psoriasis, including biologics, work to decrease or stop inflammation that can contribute to weight gain. However, some of these medications may also cause weight gain. To understand whether or not a medication is right for you and your health goals, consult with a healthcare provider.

Virtual Treatment Options for Psoriasis

Meeting with a provider in person isn’t always possible. But this shouldn’t prevent you from getting the help you need for your symptoms. 

Thankfully, in most cases, you can treat your psoriasis symptoms by meeting with a dermatologist or skincare expert online.  

At Zest, you get unlimited virtual access to our expert, specialized care for psoriasis. You can make an appointment within days or use our 24/7 chat messaging service to get relief faster, all covered by major insurers.  

Mental Health Considerations

Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities of psoriasis. According to one report, up to 60% of people with psoriasis experience depression, anxiety or another mental health disorder. These conditions can also impact your weight. Some people eat more and move less when they’re feeling depressed or anxious.

If you’re suffering from anxiety or depression while managing your psoriasis diagnosis, reach out to a provider for help.